Theater PePijn is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary in 2025, dedicating the entire year to this remarkable milestone. As part of the celebration, on eight Sundays throughout the year, the doors of Theater PePijn will open for artists to pay tribute to the beloved theater in their own unique way. Many legendary comedians began their careers on this very stage.

“I learned a large part of the trade here,” says renowned Dutch comedian Youp van ’t Hek, reflecting on his formative years at PePijn.

A Grand Kickoff

On the first of these special evenings, Hague-based comedian and entertainer Hugo van Eck had the honor of kicking off the festivities with his show Computergeleid. Enthusiasts and industry professionals gathered to witness this tribute, marking the beginning of a series of performances celebrating PePijn’s legacy.

Following Van Eck, Erik van Muiswinkel will take the stage, passing the baton to other celebrated comedians including Lebbis, Martijn Koning, Aron Elstak, and Andries Tunru in the coming months.

A Rich History Since 1964

The story of Theater PePijn began in 1964 when the cabaret group PePijn—comprised of Paul van Vliet, Liselore Gerritsen, Ferd Hugas, Judith Bos, and Rob van Kreeveld—was granted the opportunity to transform a small, empty warehouse on Nieuwe Schoolstraat into a theater. Though the original group members eventually pursued separate careers in 1971, PePijn continued under the management of Paul van Vliet.

Van Vliet’s dedication kept the theater alive, and his legacy remains integral to its identity. After his passing in 2023 at the age of 87, his contribution to Dutch comedy and cabaret continues to be honored within these walls.

Over the decades, Theater PePijn became an essential launchpad for cabaret talent. Legendary performers like Jochem Myjer and Youp van ’t Hek began their careers on its intimate stage.

“This was the first time I experienced that the audience really came for me,” Van ’t Hek reminisces in an interview with Haags Bakkie. “Before, I performed at student associations or football clubs, where people were already present. But at PePijn, for the first time, an audience came specifically to see me perform.”

He further acknowledges Paul van Vliet’s impact, saying, “It’s such a beautiful, small theater, and Paul’s initiative was incredible. He even financed it himself in the first few years until the municipality took over. This place is special—not just because of its tradition but also as an homage to Paul.”

A Close Call for PePijn

Despite its historical significance, Theater PePijn, along with its sister venue Diligentia, faced the threat of closure last year due to the withdrawal of municipal subsidies. A petition to save the theaters garnered over ten thousand signatures, and 150 Dutch artists sent an urgent letter to the municipality of The Hague. In September, the municipality decided to reinstate subsidies, ensuring the theaters could continue their cultural contributions.

Reflecting on this, Van ’t Hek emphasizes the importance of PePijn’s role in developing comedic talent. “What I and so many others learned here is invaluable. If large venues are to thrive, smaller ones must exist too—for all those looking to learn the craft and for those who realize they shouldn’t pursue it,” he jokes. “That’s a blessing for the rest of the Netherlands—some people find out here that they’re not that funny after all.”

With a year of celebrations ahead, Theater PePijn continues to be a cornerstone of Dutch cabaret, a place where the past, present, and future of comedy come together under one roof.