Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre
Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre
4.5
About
Hundreds of carved figures and pieces of old scrap perform an incredible choreography to haunting music and synchronised light, telling the funny and tragic stories of the human spirit as it struggles against the relentless circles of life and death. Audiences in many countries have been fascinated by its magic. In Glasgow it has gained a reputation as one of the city’s hidden treasures. Very gripping theatre. - The Times Unforgettable experience. - The Herald An icon-painter for our times. - Scotsman For SEASONAL TIMETABLE OF SHOWS please visit our website. Special / group shows out-with the opening hours can also be booked via the website. For ticket prices and TO BOOK TICKETS please visit our website. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • ValH749
    Galashiels, United Kingdom7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    THOROUGHLY RECOMMENDED
    Thoroughly recommended. I brought a large group of 31 u3a folk, which meant spolitting into two performnces, and Sergey, the administrator, could not have been more helpful or accommodating. Lights, music, a mesmerising show, you will never see anything like this again.
    Thank you so much for your enthusiastic response - we are delighted that you were so impressed with the show. It was great to have your group visiting us and we hope you will come back to see a different selection of kinemats in the future. Best wishes from Sharmanka.
    Written 8 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 2 May 2023
  • Tim R
    Glasgow, United Kingdom5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A hidden gem - moving sculptures, light and sound unlike anything else.
    A hidden gem. These mesmerising moving sculptures are utterly wonderful. The whole experience of the shows is just great, taking visitors on a tour of a selection of the many machines, which come whirring and spinning into life. Beautiful lighting makes the shadows of the machine a fascinating extra layer of the visual experience. Highly recommended.
    Thank you for your lovely review, we are glad you enjoyed the Sharmanka experience. We hope you get a chance to visit again and see a different selection of the kinemats. Best wishes from Sharmanka.
    Written 8 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 6 July 2023
  • 129bigcat
    Stirling, United Kingdom6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unmissable kinetic sculptures.
    My third visit to Sharmanka over a number of years. Never fails to fascinate. The sculptures are amazing constructions composed mainly of scrap material put together with enormous imagination, given a new life in a kinetic reality which reflects events in social and international history. The backing music adds to the atmosphere and is chosen with a regard to complementing the sculptures.
    Hello 129bigcat, thank you for your very kind review and for being a part of Sharmanka's journey over the years. We're so glad you enjoyed the show and hope to see you again soon!
    Written 5 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Written 11 August 2023
  • bm230199
    Sheffield, United Kingdom48 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unusual theatre unlike anything you've ever seen
    You won't see anything else like this in any other theatre. I caught the Wheels of Life performance and found it to be beautiful, odd, unsettling and interesting. The machines and carvings were expertly assembled and I'm very glad I caught the performance. The staff were friendly, relaxed and gave excellent customer service. Worth seeing for anyone in Glasgow.
    Hello! Thank you for your kind words and for coming to experience Sharmanka. We're glad you enjoyed your time here and hope to see you again.
    Written 5 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 17 August 2023
  • Andrew W
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Go and see! 🙂
    Thank you so much. Me and my mum and grandma went yesterday to see the puppet Theatre show, it was superb I thought. All aspects of it worked so well, it was so good and moving,mesmerising and so so clever! I loved it. If you are in Glasgow, it's a must see I think. quite unusual and different. you won't see anything like this ever again. The only thing is, it was a bit loud but apart from that it was very good. Very charming. The lighting and shadow effects were great, and the music adds to it.
    Hi Andrew, thank you for coming to experience Sharmanka and for your kind words - we're so glad you enjoyed the show. We also very much appreciate your feedback with regards to the sound levels and will be reviewing this in the near future
    Written 5 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 30 September 2023
  • Krista P
    Stratford, Canada998 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very cool experience in Glasgow
    This is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Glasgow and shouldn't be missed! The show takes around 45 minutes and is incredible. If you come a little before the show starts you can take a look at the kinetic sculptures more closely too.
    Hello, Krista! Thank you so much for the kind review, it really means a lot to us that you stopped by to witness all that Sharmanka has to offer. We love your blog and will be staying tuned to watch your future adventures. Hopefully we can welcome you back to Sharmanka on your next visit to the city! Safe travels for now.All the best, the Sharmanka Team.
    Written 12 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 31 October 2023
  • Tim R
    Glasgow, United Kingdom5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hidden gem in centre of Glasgow
    A hidden gem in Glasgow. Beautiful and enjoyably weird sculptures, like nothing I’ve seen anywhere else. They come to life for a few moments as you journey around the gallery. Also wonderful is the lighting with rich colour and creative use of shadows. Just an amazing place, enchanting, a little creepy in a good way.
    Hello, thank you for leaving this lovely review and for coming to experience Sharmanka. You're welcome back anytime!
    Written 2 February 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled on business
    Written 5 December 2023
  • Graham E
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fantastic unique experience capturing the spirit of a talented family,
    This my third experience of Shamanka in Glasgow. I first experienced Shamanka kinetic art performance in Manchester (in the 90s?). I love kinetic art, this was fascinatingly beautiful. I bought a enamelled broach made in Russia, depicting the iconic signature crow and bell, a token memory of my visit. I was so excited that I could see the exhibits ,and more, again in the the magical, quirky performance Shamanka in Glasgow. My excitement was rewarded by a gift from Sergey of another rare enamelled broach to treasure. I will be back! Best wishes to Eduard, Tatyana, Sergey, family and friends and team. Sylvia Clitheroe
    Hi Sylvia, thank you for your lovely review and for coming back to visit Sharmanka (again!) We're so glad you like your broach - there aren't many left now so you're one of the lucky ones. Thanks again and we hope to see you again soon!
    Written 2 February 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 December 2023
  • BlarghBlargh
    Birmingham, United Kingdom403 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Something different - mesmerising
    This is well worth a visit, especially for anyone liking something a bit different or slightly creepy. These are intricate pieces of work that are mesmerising to watch. We went to see the Promenade show and there was plenty of space to see all the pieces, as it is a fairly intimate group booked onto each show. Would definitely go and see one of the other shows if back in Glasgow.
    Hello, thank you for your lovely review and for coming to experience Sharmanka. Please do come and visit us again if you are ever back in Glasgow!
    Written 2 February 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 January 2024
  • tcarreyette
    Glasgow, United Kingdom10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feast for eyes, ears and imagination not to be missed
    Multi-sensory experience which also fires the imagination. Everyone who can, should go once and many who do will want to return time and time again. I have. There's nothing quite like it. Moving sculptures made from junk that will move you too. Some events here have musicians as well.
    Hello, thank you for your lovely review. We're so glad you enjoyed the Sharmanka experience and we hope to see you again in the future!
    Written 2 February 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 3 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles451 reviews
Excellent
367
Very good
61
Average
15
Poor
5
Terrible
3

LeighRob
Dunbar, UK7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
This unique experience is quite wonderful! I have been before but wanted to bring my teenager for their first time -- we came to see the 'Promenade' performance. The artworks, the lighting, the music, the history and the overall atmosphere combine to create a truly strange and magical effect - I am so grateful that we have this in Scotland and hope it remains here for a long time. All visitors to Glasgow with an interest in arts and culture who are looking for something a bit different should definitely come to this. We combined it with a visit to the Britannia Panopticon, Britain's oldest surviving music hall, which is just around the corner.
Written 7 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for coming to visit Sharmanka and for your wonderful review. We're so glad you enjoyed your time here and we hope to see you again in future. Best wishes, Sharmanka Team
Written 23 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

linux x
Cupar, UK39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
Fascinating intriguing sculptures that move to music and cool lighting. Best to go to a show to get full benefits. Russian themed with some Scottish influences later in Eduard's life. Absolutely fantastic.
Written 6 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for coming and for your lovely review! You're welcome back anytime. Best Wishes, Sharmanka Team
Written 23 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Pete Searle
Glasgow, UK2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Friends
Just EXTRAORDINARY Unlike anything else thst I have ever seen. Joyous, colourful, fascinating , Indescribable.
Just go !@
Written 2 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words and recommending it to other visitors. Best wishes from Sharmanka Team.
Written 2 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

alfoquia
Glasgow, UK176 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
We very much enjoyed our visit I had my 3 grandchildren and they were all amazed as it is very different from computer games. They asked lots of questions.
It’s a unique experience.
I myself had been before with a community project.
It is atmospheric, moving and the information on the walls is very important to the whole story .
Go along it’s a wonderful experience that has no rival in Glasgow.
Written 2 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're so glad that you and your family enjoyed the experience. It's good to know that we can be a good balance for the younger generation to the computer games! Best wishes from Sharmanka team.
Written 2 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

margaret m
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Friends
Amazing! So unique and interesting. A little diamond in Glasgows crown. Can't believe I didn't know it was there until last week
Written 2 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're so glad that you enjoyed the experience. Best wishes from Sharmanka team.
Written 2 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tony J
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
A fascinating, eclectic and mind blowing collection of moving art. If you want to feel like a child again, don't miss this show...
Written 26 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thanks for your lovely review and for coming to experience Sharmanka. We hope to see you again soon!
Written 2 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Julie M
Stirling, UK22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
Exquisite, brutal, funny, terrifying and profoundly moving multi sensory exploration of humanity. Already planning family trip to see the later show. My vocabulary falls painfully short of explaining what Sharmanka IS never mind how good it is.
Written 8 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you for lovely review of Sharmanka. We're glad you got so much from your experience. Thank you for visiting us and we hope to see you again soon!
Written 2 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

tcarreyette
Glasgow, UK10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Solo
Multi-sensory experience which also fires the imagination. Everyone who can, should go once and many who do will want to return time and time again. I have. There's nothing quite like it. Moving sculptures made from junk that will move you too. Some events here have musicians as well.
Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you for your lovely review. We're so glad you enjoyed the Sharmanka experience and we hope to see you again in the future!
Written 2 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

BlarghBlargh
Birmingham, UK403 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
This is well worth a visit, especially for anyone liking something a bit different or slightly creepy. These are intricate pieces of work that are mesmerising to watch. We went to see the Promenade show and there was plenty of space to see all the pieces, as it is a fairly intimate group booked onto each show. Would definitely go and see one of the other shows if back in Glasgow.
Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you for your lovely review and for coming to experience Sharmanka. Please do come and visit us again if you are ever back in Glasgow!
Written 2 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Leigh O
Scotland, UK3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Solo
One of the most special and unique places I’ve been, I was mesmerised! Highly recommend to all, special shout out to Robin who was an amazing host so thank you (if I’m back in Glasgow anytime soon I’d go back for the other show 😊) great value experience
Written 30 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you for visiting Sharmanka and for your lovely review - we really appreciate. And yes if you are ever back in Glasgow please do come and visit us!
Written 2 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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SHARMANKA KINETIC THEATRE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre