The Casino-Théâtre de Rolle: shows and young-audience theatre by Lake Geneva

An Italian-style hall by the lake

In the heart of Rolle, facing the landing stage and a stone's throw from the Île de la Harpe, the Casino-Théâtre is the town's performance hall. The building, erected in 1771, became a theatre in 1875: a true “Italian-style” hall, horseshoe-shaped with its balcony, renovated around the year 2000, which celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2021. Run by a dedicated association, it stages around fifty performances each season, including several creations. With its 220 seats, it is a human-scale venue where you feel close to the stage.

What your children will discover

The programme is deliberately eclectic: theatre, music, comedy, dance, contemporary circus and young-audience shows follow one another throughout the season. For families, the theatre highlights a “Family” category in its programme, with events designed for children. Titles and recommended ages change every season: it is best to check the current programme on the official website to spot the young-audience shows and the recommended age.

What you do and the atmosphere on site

You pick up your tickets, settle into the horseshoe-shaped hall and let the show carry you away. The atmosphere is that of a charming, warm and friendly theatre, where the foyer bar lets you extend the outing. The location is ideal: the lake, the quays and the harbour are right in front, perfect for a stroll before or after the performance.

Before you go

• Recommended age: depending on the show (young-audience events from a very young age); check the age stated for each show
• Duration: varies with the programme (often around one hour for young-audience shows)
• Booking: online ticketing, by phone, or at the Rolle Tourisme desk; remaining tickets sold 1h before the performance
• Price: full price 34.–; reduced rates (PassCulture 5.–, CarteCulture 15.–); young-audience price to be checked on the website
• Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible hall (adapted seats on request), induction loop
• Transport: Rolle railway station about 12 minutes' walk away
• Best season: theatre season from autumn to spring

Parents' tips

• Spot the season's “Family” shows in advance: young-audience seats sell quickly.
• Check the show's recommended age before booking, especially for little ones.
• Make the most of the quays and harbour right in front of the theatre for a stroll before or after the show.
• Remember the reduced rates (PassCulture, CarteCulture) if you are eligible.
• If you come by train, the station is very close: handy to avoid looking for a parking space.

Useful information

• Address: Rue du Port 15, 1180 Rolle (VD)
• Official website: theatre-rolle.ch
• Ticketing: [email protected], +41 21 825 12 40; Rolle Tourisme desk
• Opening hours: according to the programme (check the website)
• Getting there: Rolle railway station ~12 min walk; Greenbus 841 (Centre Ville stop); Parking des Amoureux nearby

Why we recommend it

Because the Casino-Théâtre de Rolle is a real night out at the theatre on a child's scale: a charming hall by the lake, a carefully curated young-audience programme and easy access by train. Enough to spark a first sense of wonder at the theatre, as a family, without travelling to the big cities.

In a nutshell

An Italian-style theatre by Lake Geneva, in Rolle, with a young-audience and family programme throughout the season.