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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- Andrew W11 contributionsGo 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 futureWritten 5 October 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 September 2023
- Krista PStratford, Canada1,651 contributionsVery cool experience in GlasgowThis 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 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 October 2023
- Tim RGlasgow, United Kingdom5 contributionsHidden gem in centre of GlasgowA 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 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2023Travelled on businessWritten 5 December 2023
- Graham E3 contributionsA 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 ClitheroeHi 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 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 December 2023
- BlarghBlarghBirmingham, United Kingdom390 contributionsSomething different - mesmerisingThis 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 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 January 2024
- tcarreyetteGlasgow, United Kingdom10 contributionsFeast for eyes, ears and imagination not to be missedMulti-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 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 3 January 2024
- alfoquiaGlasgow, United Kingdom163 contributionsExperience of a lifetime with a moving story behind it.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.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 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 February 2024
- linux xCupar, United Kingdom34 contributionsGreat theatre SharmankaFascinating 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.Thank you for coming and for your lovely review! You're welcome back anytime. Best Wishes, Sharmanka TeamWritten 23 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 February 2024
- LeighRobDunbar, United Kingdom7 contributionsThis unique experience is quite wonderful!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.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 TeamWritten 23 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 February 2024
- Leon W1 contributionSharmanka reviewRealy enjoyable , the time flew past so quickly best light and mechanical show in my life . the show was great , would recomend for about 7 yrs up . The tickets are pretty well priced , definitely worth your money. LeonwThank you so much for your enthusiastic response, we are delighted you enjoyed the show and took the time to review it. It is much appreciated. Thanks.Written 11 May 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 10 April 2024
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4.5
466 reviews
Excellent
382
Very good
61
Average
15
Poor
5
Terrible
3
StevenTristanYoung
San Francisco, CA149 contributions
Jun 2019
One man’s passion is another man’s nightmares. The Sharmank Kinetic theater is not to be missed if you are a fan o Tim Burton/Steampunk/Science Fiction. The whole place is just a melange of imagery, music, and weird shapes and sizes. I was excited to see it and it did not disappoint. The whole show is roughly about an hour, and you walk around the entire area while the creations come to life with music and animatronics; you’re not told which one is starting next or the order, you just follow the sounds and music and wait for each exhibit to end. It’s all so surreal but such an interesting experience. It’s jarring one moment, whimsical the next, creepy in the inspiration, but a memory that will last for a lifetime.
Written 10 May 2020
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 Steven for your comprehensive review, we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the visit to Sharmanka and found so much to keep you entertained. We like to think of a visit to Sharmanka as a journey into the universe of Eduard Bersudsky and your comments back that up! We hope you will visit again some time and take in a different show.
Written 20 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sallie Lloyd-Jones
2 contributions
Sept 2021
It is all so magical! I have just made my third visit, this time a private viewing with 7 friends who didn't know anything about Sharmanka, and all of whom were absolutely bowled over, several are planning to take r family members for another visit. The viewing is very well organised, you are shown one piece at a time, and given long enough to really take in all the details, but not long enough to get bored. For me it was enhanced by both being a private viewing with friends, also because the young man in charge was a family member of the creator's, and was able to tell so much about the history of the pieces and the creator. Because the rest of the space is in darkness and only one piece lit at any one time, there is an added atmosphere of other-worldliness to the strange creatures that seem to be working the pieces. i think as a child it would both have fascinated me and given me nightmares. i shall certainly be making another visit.
Written 24 September 2021
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.
We are always delighted to learn that people have visited more than once - and particularly when they introduce others to the Sharmanka experience. Thank you for your detailed review and continuing support.
Written 20 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dirtpot
Allendale, UK12 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We booked whilst having a short City break. I went with my friend and our two 11 year old daughters. We’d seen it advertised online but wasn’t 100% sure what to expect once there. It’s not the easiest place to find and Google took us all around the houses so put the exact location in rather than the event name.
On arrival, we showed our tickets and then we’re allowed to look around as we were a little early. Most of the exhibits are inactive so don’t expect to go and see everything operational.
At the start of the show the host explained what would happen and a little bit about the history of Sharmanka. Then the show begins. The exhibits work to music, each area slowly lighting up as it starts to operate. There’s so many moving parts that it becomes mesmerising to see what comes next. After the 3 exhibits, we were then taken to the other end of the room to see the specific show. It lasted for about 20-25 minutes I think but I enjoyed every minute. We were dubious whether the girls would like but their comment of ‘it was cool’ was a pretty good thumbs up from young teenagers.
It would have been nice to perhaps spend more time and seeing more but I guess that’s how they get you to go back and yes… I probably would.
On arrival, we showed our tickets and then we’re allowed to look around as we were a little early. Most of the exhibits are inactive so don’t expect to go and see everything operational.
At the start of the show the host explained what would happen and a little bit about the history of Sharmanka. Then the show begins. The exhibits work to music, each area slowly lighting up as it starts to operate. There’s so many moving parts that it becomes mesmerising to see what comes next. After the 3 exhibits, we were then taken to the other end of the room to see the specific show. It lasted for about 20-25 minutes I think but I enjoyed every minute. We were dubious whether the girls would like but their comment of ‘it was cool’ was a pretty good thumbs up from young teenagers.
It would have been nice to perhaps spend more time and seeing more but I guess that’s how they get you to go back and yes… I probably would.
Written 1 August 2021
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 visiting Sharmanka and we're glad you and your kids enjoyed the show!
The running time of Journey (the show you booked to see) is 30mins and it's designed for the audience that may only want a smaller showing of Sharmanka's works if they are short on time, or if they want to get a taster of the experience if unsure about what to expect before committing to our bigger shows. Journey is one of the three options available for the audience to book each of our opening days in the current time table.
The other two shows (Promenade & Wheels of Life) are the most popular options with our audiences. During these shows they get to experience two thirds of our collection over 60mins duration. Showing all the works would simply be too long of an experience especially for children.
We hope to be able to welcome you back to Sharmanka in the future! Check out the trailers for each of the three shows available on our website and our box office - which would help to pick the best option for your return!
Thank you.
Written 3 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Angela Freeman
Glasgow, UK3 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We were lucky enough to visit Sharmanka last weekend as a group. It was an incredible experience and we were riveted to the show which was entrancing. The kinetic sculptures are so detailed and interesting plus the combination of music, lighting and shadows which brings the whole thing to life. I would recommend this 100%. Our guide gave us plenty of background information and we were able to look around and take some photos at the end of the show. Brilliant! Thank you Sharmanka!
Written 2 July 2021
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 your kind words Angela. It was our pleasure to host you and your group. We're glad you enjoyed the experience and hope to welcome you again in the future! Best Wishes.
Written 9 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sofia
1 contribution
Oct 2020
A truly unforgettable cultural experience: the pieces are rich with symbolism and the accompaniment of music, lights and movement turned it into a performance that was both touching and entertaining.
The gallery manager was enthusiastic and informative in his explanations on the art pieces; and he was attentive and professional in regards to all the measures put in place for Covid-19 safety.
I would definitely recommend Sharmanka to anyone looking for a cultural experience in Glasgow!
The gallery manager was enthusiastic and informative in his explanations on the art pieces; and he was attentive and professional in regards to all the measures put in place for Covid-19 safety.
I would definitely recommend Sharmanka to anyone looking for a cultural experience in Glasgow!
Written 3 November 2020
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 see us and support Sharmanka in the current crazy world! We hope to welcome you back in the future and have even more kinetic art for your to experience. Best Wishes from Sharmanka team.
Written 6 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Caroline
Halle (Saale), Germany3 contributions
Jun 2021
I dragged a group of colleagues along with me in June, some of them admittedly a bit skeptical of my proposal: It's an art installation out of scrap! Who doesn't love scrap?
All skepticism was shattered and all of us were deeply moved by what Edvard and Tatyana created, and we talked about it for days after. The figures are all kinds of things in and of themselves: uncanny, funny, creepy, sympathetic, mystical even. Once they're brought to life by the movement, music, light and shadows (watch them!), the experience sucks you right in, and it feels like it's teaching you something, especially with the background knowledge Sergey, our guide, shares with you about Edvard's life.
I advise any potential visitors to first watch each installation for a bit before reading up on its' meaning. Chances are you interpret them completely differently than the artist intended, but interpret them you definitely will!
I highly recommend going.
All skepticism was shattered and all of us were deeply moved by what Edvard and Tatyana created, and we talked about it for days after. The figures are all kinds of things in and of themselves: uncanny, funny, creepy, sympathetic, mystical even. Once they're brought to life by the movement, music, light and shadows (watch them!), the experience sucks you right in, and it feels like it's teaching you something, especially with the background knowledge Sergey, our guide, shares with you about Edvard's life.
I advise any potential visitors to first watch each installation for a bit before reading up on its' meaning. Chances are you interpret them completely differently than the artist intended, but interpret them you definitely will!
I highly recommend going.
Written 12 July 2021
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 so much for your kind words! We're glad you and your group enjoyed the show. Best wishes
Written 3 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sebastian E
Nordlingen, Germany14 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Sharmanka is a mix of gallery and art show. The sculptures are fascinating, bizarre, sometimes frightening, but they all tell a story. We saw the 60min show in which the Machines are illuminated and a sound or music was added to every piece. It is a journey through time and different cultures. It provokes to make me think...
It is absolutely worth the money. The show might not be for everybody, but if You are interested in modelling, building machines or miniatures or modern art it is a must see.
Book in advance, theres limited tickets. We got the last two one day prior to the show.
Thanks Sharmanka and have fun!
It is absolutely worth the money. The show might not be for everybody, but if You are interested in modelling, building machines or miniatures or modern art it is a must see.
Book in advance, theres limited tickets. We got the last two one day prior to the show.
Thanks Sharmanka and have fun!
Written 9 August 2022
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.
Hey Sebastian,
Thanks so much for taking the time to review.
We're really happy you had a good time, and we are very chuffed to be considered 'bizarre'! We agree :)
Thanks again, come back any time!
Written 31 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bethany S
Glasgow, UK20 contributions
Aug 2022
An incredible experience, you have to go see this.
I don't know what else to write, the Wheels of Life show took my breath away. It's a very emotional art installation, exquisite to look at before the machines even start moving. And then they start up, lit beautifully and with the perfect soundtrack that completes the experience, and it's spellbinding.
I don't know what else to write, the Wheels of Life show took my breath away. It's a very emotional art installation, exquisite to look at before the machines even start moving. And then they start up, lit beautifully and with the perfect soundtrack that completes the experience, and it's spellbinding.
Written 15 August 2022
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.
Hi Bethany,
Thank you very much for your kind words. We're really happy that you had a good experience at the Wheels of Life show.
You're welcome back any time, all the best!
Written 31 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kay
3 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
This introduced me to the world of Kinetic Theatre and really taps into the imagination.
Great for adults and children alike. I was there as part of a birthday treat...
The moving sets are an incredible work of art and are rich with history and culture.
This is a much needed relief during these times of Covid-19 when Theatre is scarece...and offers something I shamefully wasn't even aware was on my own doorstep in Glasgow, Scotland until now, when it's been hailed as one of the "top ten" things to do in the city centre.
Give yourself, friends and family a unique experience. The owners are very responsive via email, friendly and accommodating.
I'll definitely be back!
Great for adults and children alike. I was there as part of a birthday treat...
The moving sets are an incredible work of art and are rich with history and culture.
This is a much needed relief during these times of Covid-19 when Theatre is scarece...and offers something I shamefully wasn't even aware was on my own doorstep in Glasgow, Scotland until now, when it's been hailed as one of the "top ten" things to do in the city centre.
Give yourself, friends and family a unique experience. The owners are very responsive via email, friendly and accommodating.
I'll definitely be back!
Written 19 October 2020
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 see us and support Sharmanka in the current crazy world! We hope to welcome you back in the future and have even more kinetic art for your to experience. Best Wishes from Sharmanka team.
Written 20 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Silversurfer592
Falkirk, UK20 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
Great when guide explained where the moving parts of the sculptures came from & the reason they were used. So skilfully done as were the wooden sculptures. Also hearing how the exhibition came to Glasgow from Russia was so interesting- nice to get a bit of history from a family member.
Written 23 February 2022
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 your review. We are glad you enjoyed visiting and hearing about the background to the sculptures. Your comments are very much appreciated.
Written 20 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is this like a show that you sit and watch or is it like a museum where you can walk round at your own pace and look at things??
Written 21 January 2018
There are seats in some parts, cant say too much without spoiling the show
Written 23 January 2018
I was at your website and I notice that the 70 and 45 min shows are not recommended for children under 12. Why is that? Is it scary?
Written 14 April 2017
70minute show is just too long for under12 attention span
Written 15 April 2017
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