Schouwburg Ogterop attracted nearly 40,000 visitors last year. That is the highest number since Corona. Two years ago the theater in Meppel attracted just over 36,000 visitors.
Nevertheless, the number of tickets that has been sold for performances has remained fairly the same. About 20,500 people came to a theater performance, such as cabaret, music or theater. Two years ago it was also just over 20,000 people.
The rest of the number of visitors is for the account of, among other things, educational institutions, or by renting to commercial parties. For example, the theater is also used for meetings or presentations. “The increase in the number of visitors is therefore mainly in the cultural social market, in which Ogterop is found well by all kinds of organizations and institutions,” writes the municipality of Meppel, owner of the theater.
It is currently the last year for the theater. The building will close early next year, because a major renovation is waiting. The building has been struggling with overdue maintenance for years. Almost the whole theater goes down. Only the large theater hall, which has been declared a municipal monument, remains intact. Everything around it is being built new. The renovation will cost more than 22 million euros.
In 2028 the theater must open to the public again. In the meantime, performances are still being held, but somewhere else. The intention is to offer around 50 performances every year at different locations within the municipality of Meppel.