The Teatro Romea in Murcia

The historic theatre is one of the most important cultural venues in the Region of Murcia

With more than 150 years of history behind it the Teatro Romea is one of the most important cultural venues in the city of Murcia. Located close to the old centre of the city, the it was built in the latter part of the 19th century, embracing an eclectic style with modernist details.

The theatre opened on 25^th October 1862, when Queen Isabel II witnessed a performance of “El Hombre del Mundo” by Ventura de la Vega. The leading actor that night was Julián Romea, after whom the theatre was later named. 

The building was designed by Diego Manuel Molina, and was known as the Teatro de los Infantes until 1868, when it became the Teatro de la Soberanía Popular.

However, its success was short lived. On 7^th February 1877 the evening performance included fireworks, and the following morning at around middaythe theatre was ablaze, almost certainly due to a slow-burning remnant of the evening performance. Not until two days later were the flames extinguished, by which time the building had been completely gutted, and a total reconstruction was needed. This was overseen by the architect Justo Millán.

On 10^th December 1899, though, disaster struck again. The evening’s program had been reorganized to include a performance of “Jugar con Fuego” (Playing with Fire), and when the audience saw what appeared to be a flash of lightning while the orchestra was playing the prelude, they assumed it to be a part of the production. This wasn’t the case, though, and the directors of the performance had to plead for calm while the orchestra played on. The atmosphere soon turned to panic as the curtain fell down in flames, and everyone suddenly hurried to the exits. Tragically one young man lost his life in the blaze, and it was reported that a woman died two days later from the shock she had suffered.

Ever since these fires some have believed that the theatre is under a curse, and the theory gained support when in 1910 the roof caved in, probably due to the haste with which the building had been reconstructed following the second fire. This led to some calling for the theatre to be demolished but instead it was repaired again, reopening soon afterwards.

The third official opening of the theatre was in 1901, and despite reform work in the 1980s another major overhaul was undertaken starting in 2008. This work has lasted four years until the latest reopening on 3^rd March 2012.

The reformed theatre has been authentically restored and incorporates the latest technological advances in its presentations while maintaining the atmosphere of an authentic, grand, historical theatre.

Ticketing details for the Teatro Romea in Murcia

Tickets can be purchased via ticketmaster on www.ticketmaster.es, by telephone on 968 355170 or in person at the box office, located within the theatre.

Box office Opening hours:

Tuesday to Friday 11.00 to 13.30 and 17.30 to 20.30 (or until the performance starts).

Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 2 hours before the curtain rises. 

Mondays closed.

Address 

Plaza Julián Romea, 30001 Murcia.

For more local information including new and what's on go to the city of Murcia section of Murcia Today.