Cologne celebrates Himmel und Kölle”: The cult musical is back!

Cologne celebrates Himmel und Kölle”: The cult musical is back!

On October 28, 2025, the time had finally come again: the Cologne cult musical “Himmel und Kölle” celebrated its third revival premiere. This special event took place exactly five years after the premiere and was part of the impressive success story of the piece. So far, around 450 performances have thrilled more than 140,000 visitors, a sign that the comedy musical remains in the hearts of Cologne residents. But that's not all: the musical will be performed at the Volksbühne on Rudolfplatz until March 29, 2026. The playing times are generous: from Thursday to Saturday at 7:00 p.m., Sunday at 6:00 p.m. and matinee on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

The locations of the musical have also been incorporated into the new production. In the foyer of the former Millowitsch Theater, an impressive LED screen with a total area of ​​70 square meters, which consists of 25 million LED pixels, shines. Visitors can not only admire Cologne's sights, but also experience animated key scenes from the play. Director Gil Mehmert, who won four awards for “Einstein – A Matter of Time,” and his team reworked some of the best scenes, including the shisha bar and the wedding scene.

Cologne stars and new talents

Another highlight of the premiere was the return of audience favorites such as Markus Schneider and Vera Bolten. The evening before the premiere in Berlin, the latter was awarded seven prizes at the German Musical Theater Prize. At the premiere, the ensemble's new jewel was introduced: Tino Selbach. In his role as a Saxon taxi driver, the Cologne tenor brings a breath of fresh air into the production. Not only is he on stage as Schwaadlappe's understudy, but he has also developed behind the scenes as the brother-in-law of the playwright Moritz Netenjakob into a real running gag around the catchy tune “Take my brother-in-law”.

This is not only a sign of the strong connection between the actors, but also shows that the Cologne style of the musical is in its full bloom. Producer Frank Blase emphasized how crucial Selbach's talent was to the new production, and the audience rewarded this with frenetic applause, especially for the dancing Three Wise Men and the hit "Dat ruckelt sich aktuell".

A feast for the senses

The premiere was a true feast for the senses. A spectacular laser show and strips of paper falling through the hall in the shape of red hearts rounded off the experience. The ensemble is also looking forward to prominent cameo appearances from Cologne personalities who will be part of the action in the new season.

The musical not only has a permanent place in the city's cultural consciousness, but also confirms the growing popularity of musicals in Germany. Musicals have enjoyed great support since the 1980s, and “Himmel und Kölle” is now at the top of the German musical landscape. This also shows that the economic aspects that such productions bring with them are of great importance for the theater landscape and cultural tourism. Cologne residents don't need much convincing - they know what they have and what they value about "Heaven and Kölle". Anyone who wants to be pampered with culinary and cultural delights should secure their tickets as soon as possible!

For more information visit the website of calf, koeln.de and atgtickets.de.