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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Neighbourhood: Merchant City
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  • Rhona M
    Thurso, United Kingdom4 contributions
    Wonderful Gothic animatronics.
    In May 2022, we visited Sharmanka in Glasgow. I had seen earlier shows in Thurso and Inverness, as well as the Millennium Clock, Edinburgh. This show was wonderful and well-thought out, so children can also enjoy watching. I love the combination of gothicness and haunting music/ sounds. Genius exhibits. Would go back again.
    Hi Rhona, Thank you so much for coming along and seeing another Sharmanka show, its so lovely to hear that you have seen a few and have really enjoyed them all! Thank you as well for taking the time to write us a wee review - we really appreciate your kind words. Very best wishes and we hope to see you again!
    Written 22 January 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2022
    Written 30 December 2022
  • Chad Richie
    Glasgow, United Kingdom3 contributions
    A Mechanical Marvel!
    Beautiful menagerie of kinemats and musical performances. We came to see the Promenade showing, which highlighted each art piece in dramatic lighting as we were guided throughout the studio. Sergey was very welcoming and kindly took us through the family history of the sculptures. Much love has been put into this theatre and it was thrilling to see into the world of Eduard Bersudsky and his mechanical mastery. Would definitely recommend a visit!
    Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to review us, we really appreciate it. So glad you enjoyed the experience - please feel free to come back and join us any time! Very best wishes.
    Written 23 February 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 January 2023
  • KathrynNic
    6 contributions
    Amazing! Loved everything about it!
    Loved everything about Sharmanka! I have wanted to visit for years as I’ve heard wonderful things about it. The sculptures are amazing and the music, lighting and movement just add to the whole experience. The staff were really friendly and you can tell they love the work and are invested in making it an amazing place to visit. My partner wasn’t too sure when I told him where we were headed but as soon as we walked in he was sold on it and loved every second of it too. Would highly recommend a visit, great for all ages and such and unusual attraction.
    Hello Kathryn! Thank you so much for such wonderful feedback, it is very much appreciated. Fantastic you made it along to see us. We are so glad to hear you and your partner enjoyed the Sharmanka experience and we hope to welcome you back again in the future! For now, take care and warmest wishes.
    Written 12 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 March 2023
  • ValH749
    Galashiels, United Kingdom7 contributions
    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 Kingdom4 contributions
    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
    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 Kingdom47 contributions
    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
    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
    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
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
437 reviews
Excellent
353
Very good
61
Average
15
Poor
5
Terrible
3

Krista P
Stratford, Canada998 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
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.
Written 31 October 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, 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.

Norman H
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
The visit to Sharmanka was everything I expected after seeing exhibits in GGMA a few years ago. It was an enchanting experience and I’ll certainly be back when in Glasgow 😃👍
Written 8 October 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.
Thank you so much for coming to visit us at Sharmanka! We are so glad you found us. Best wishes.
Written 12 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Claire H
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
Even 15 year olds were mesmerised. I’d highly recommend. So very clever and unique. Quick and relaxed to enter, the team at the desk where you enter were natural, eloquent and super helpful. So easy to access on the tube, lovely things around the area too to see.
Written 8 October 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.
Hi there Claire. Thank you so much for the generous review. Glad to hear the teenagers found it as engaging as you did! We hope to see you back some time soon. Take care!
Written 12 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Andrew W
3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
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.
Written 30 September 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.
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.

Carol M
Glasgow, UK8 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Really fascinating exhibition of automatons and great story of the Russian origins of Sharmanka. The ending was slightly underwhelming, but I loved the mix of European and Scottish culture
Written 12 September 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 coming to experience Sharmanka and for your kind words - we very much appreciate it!
Written 5 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

bm230199
Sheffield, UK47 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
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.
Written 17 August 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 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.

marinai Iv s
3 contributions
Jul 2023
incredible, explosive, stuff in the past but great also for our future! colourfull artisanal creative
Written 13 August 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 your kind words. We're glad you enjoyed your time at Sharmanka 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.

Ralph S
37 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
Passed bye this place many a time , never noticed it .Should have huge sign pointing to it .
Each performance last just under an HR , and you will be spellbound .
Utter amazing
craftsmanship and simplicity of it all , is unreal .
Written 11 August 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 your kind words. We're glad you enjoyed your visit to Sharmanka 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.

129bigcat
Stirling, UK6 contributions
Jul 2023
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.
Written 11 August 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 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.

Heelin Coo
8 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Didn't know what to expect or that this place even existed but was not disappointed - at £14 a show I would happily pay to see another (there are two)

One of the most bizarre, imaginative & sometimes creepy experiences, you will be sure to remember!

Definitely something you have to experience in person rather than reading about to decide if it's for you.
Written 31 July 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 HeelinCow, thank you for your kind words about Sharmanka. We're so glad you enjoyed your visit here (even if it was creepy at times!) We hope to see you again in the future!
Written 5 October 2023
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