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Our History on Stage

For over 70 years, Zurich English-Speaking Theatre (ZEST) has been a cornerstone of the Zurich arts scene, dedicated to producing high-quality, engaging English-language theatre. This page is a tribute to our past, a comprehensive list of every production - from powerful dramas and witty comedies to full-scale musicals - that our community has brought to the stage.

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We're proud of our history and the incredible work of countless volunteers who have made it all possible. Take a look at our legacy and see how our passion for theatre has evolved over the decades.

Intense scene from Frankenstein (ZEST, Nov 2025). The Creature actor holds a fiery torch on a dimly lit stage.

Frankenstein

Nick Dear
Explore Production
November
2025
ZEST performance of Hand To God (Sept 2025). Two puppeteers actors perform with colorful puppets on stage.

Hand To God

Robert Askins
Explore Production
September
2025
Stage scene from The Curious Incident (ZEST, May 2025). Actor makes binoculars with hands; others hold poles under a starry sky.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Based on the novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens
Explore Production
May
2025
ZEST production of Dogfight, The Musical (Nov 2024). Actor in military attire on stage with stained-glass backdrop.

Dogfight

Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul; Book by Peter Duchan
Explore Production
November
2024
Communicating Doors stage scene (ZEST, June 2024). Actors in blue robe and yellow raincoat share a photo.

Communicating Doors

Alan Ayckbourn
Explore Production
June
2024
The Lieutenant of Inishmore (ZEST, Nov 2023). Two actors in a cozy scene: man in rocking chair and younger person smiling.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore

Martin McDonagh
Explore Production
November
2023
Dramatic theatre scene from On The Night Side (ZEST, Aug 2023). Surprised man flanked by women in red and green.

On the Night Side
(Nightlands / The Actor's Nightmare)

Jack MacGregor / Christopher Durang
Explore Production
August
2023
ZEST production of Steel Magnolias (June 2023). Five actors in a colorful scene; one looks surprised at a note.

Steel Magnolias

Robert Harling
Explore Production
June
2023
Dramatic scene from The Bridges of Madison County (ZEST, Nov 2022). Two actors hold hands by an American flag backdrop.

The Bridges of Madison County

Book by MARSHA NORMAN. Music and lyrics by JASON ROBERT BROWN. Based on the novel by ROBERT JAMES WALLER.
Explore Production
November
2022
Animated scene from Missed Connection (ZEST, Sept 2022). Three women actors on stage in robe, red dress, and apron.

Missed Connection
(Lunch / Shadowland / Lunch Girls)

Steven Berkoff / David Poyer / Ron Hart
Explore Production
September
2022
ZEST performance of Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (May 2022). Three actors sit on a bed in elegant attire.

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress

Alan Ball
Explore Production
May
2022
ZEST performance of The Aftermath (Nov 2021). Two women actors play with toy animals on a dark stage.

The Aftermath
(Earwig / Impromptu / A Bird in the Pocket)

Faser MacFarlane / Tad Mosel / Zhanar Kusainova (English Translation by Kristina Eiviler)
Explore Production
November
2021
ZEST production of A History of Falling Things (July 2021). Two actors playfully lie on the floor with balloons in the scene.

A History of Falling Things

James Graham
Explore Production
July
2021
ZEST production of Searching for Doctor Branovic (Nov 2019). Woman holds a frying pan toward surprised man in scrubs on stage.

Searching for Doctor Branovic

David Tristram
Explore Production
November
2019
Tense scene from Mind Games (ZEST, Sept 2019). Man in checkered shirt sits focused; two actors engage behind him.

Mind Games
(Overtones / The Other Room / A Little Box of Oblivion)

Alice Gerstenberg / Ariadne Blayde / Stephen Bean
Explore Production
September
2019
Lively scene from A Night in Provence (ZEST, May 2019). Five actors on stage in colorful costumes; one looks surprised.

A Night in Provence

Robin Hawdon
Explore Production
May
2019
ZEST production of Parfumerie (Nov 2018). Two actors in a heated scene; man in white jacket confronts man in blue shirt.

Parfumerie

Miklòs Laszlò from the English translation by Florence Laszlò adapted by E P Dowall
Explore Production
November
2018
Tense scene from Close Encounters (ZEST, Sept 2018). Actor in suit angrily speaks to woman in distress on stage.

Close Encounters
(Lunch Hour / One for the Road / Politics in the Park)

John Mortimer / Harold Pinter / Iain Heggie
Explore Production
September
2018
Lively scene from Cyrano de Bergerac (ZEST, May 2018). Actor in feathered hat raises a sword on stage.

Cyrano de Bergerac

Glyn Maxwell
Explore Production
May
2018
Playful scene from Vanya and Sonya (ZEST, Nov 2017). Three actors on stage: two in tunics, one in an elegant gown.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Christopher Durang
Explore Production
November
2017
ZEST production of Between the Lines (Sept 2017). Three actors in a scene; one wears a "Carmel" hoodie and holds a soccer ball.

Between the Lines
(Contractions / Hello Darkness, My Old Friend)

Sue Wilding / Mike Barlett
Explore Production
September
2017
Tense scene from Kindertransport (ZEST, May 2017). Three women actors on stage; one looks distressed on the stairs.

Kindertransport

Diane Samuels
Explore Production
May
2017
Dramatic scene from White Out (ZEST, Nov 2016). Woman actor in fur-collared coat looks tense on stage.

White Out

JR Vikse
Explore Production
November
2016
Collage of stage scenes from Taking Leave (ZEST, May 2016). Actors in discussion in a warmly lit living room set.

Taking Leave

Nagle Jackson
Explore Production
May
2016
Scene from Forget-Me-Knot (ZEST, Nov 2015). Man in yellow shirt sits at a desk, talking on a rotary phone.

Forget-Me-Knot

David Tristram
Explore Production
November
2015
Scene from Twelve Angry Jurors (ZEST, May 2015). Five actors sit around a table in discussion, with a cityscape backdrop.

Twelve Angry Jurors

Reginald Rose
Explore Production
May
2015
Dramatic scene from The Taming of the Shrew (ZEST, Nov 2014). Seven actors on stage in period costumes and hats.

The Taming of the Shrew

William Shakespeare
Explore Production
November
2014
Poster for Two One-Act Plays (ZEST, May 2014) featuring scenes from Penalty and A Candle on the Table.

Penalty / A Candle on the Table

Stephen Smith / Patricia Clapp
Explore Production
May
2014
Elegant scene from Don't Dress for Dinner (ZEST, Nov 2013). Woman in black dress offers man in tuxedo a drink on stage.

Don't Dress for Dinner

Marc Camoletti
Explore Production
November
2013
Collage of the ZEST production of Calendar Girls (May 2013). Shows actors in various costumes holding the show banner.

Calendar Girls

Tim Firth
Explore Production
May
2013
Collage of stills from ZEST's Season's Greetings (Nov 2012). Actors in festive, comedic scenes set in domestic interiors.

Season's Greetings

Alan Ayckbourn
Explore Production
November
2012
Scene from An Ideal Husband (ZEST, May 2012). Two women in period costumes seated; one in a purple dress and hat looks stern.

An Ideal Husband

Oscar Wilde
Explore Production
May
2012
ZEST production of Remembrance (Nov 2011). Two women actors in a kitchen scene; one stands, one sits thoughtfully at a table.

Remembrance

Graham Reid
Explore Production
November
2011
Scene from A Semblance of Wholeness (ZEST, Sept 2011). Three women actors in a stone room; one sits at a table in distress.

A Semblance of Wholeness
(Semblance of Madness / The Whole Shebang)

John H. Newmeir / Rich Orloff
Explore Production
September
2011
Whimsical scene from 7 Stories (ZEST, May 2011). Actors lean out of windows on a colorful, cartoonish building set.

7 Stories

Morris Panych
Explore Production
May
2011
Dramatic scene from Ghost Writer (ZEST, Nov 2010). Woman in white descends stairs on a surreal, tilted set amidst smoke.

Ghost Writer

David Tristram
Explore Production
November
2010
Dramatic scene from An Inspector Calls (ZEST, May 2010). Three actors at a dining table on an elegant, formal set.

An Inspector Calls

J. B. Priestley
Explore Production
May
2010
Playful scene from GamePlan (ZEST, Nov 2009). Man in gray suit with a poppy sits smiling on a modern chair on stage.

GamePlan

Alan Ayckbourn
Explore Production
November
2009
Poster for Three Couples and a Goldfish (ZEST, Sept 2009). Features simple icons of three couples and a goldfish.

Three Couples and a Goldfish
(Henna Night / Abortive / The Extraordinary Revelations of Orca the Goldfish)

Amy Rosenthal / Caryl Churchill / David Tristrum
Explore Production
September
2009
Comedic scene from Nunsense (ZEST, May 2009). Five actors dressed as nuns perform on stage in front of a "Grease" backdrop.

Nunsense

Dan Goggin
Explore Production
May
2009
Scene from Heroes (ZEST, May 2008). Three men in suits on stage; one speaks passionately, others sit solemnly.

Heroes

Gérald Sibleyras translated by Tom Stoppard
Explore Production
November
2008
Poster for Triple Helpings by ZEST, (Apr 2008). Features four actors in comedic, adventurous poses.

Triple Helpings!
(In Room Five Hundred and Four / The Spelling Of Coynes / Trip of a Lifetime)

Jimmie Chinn / Jules Tasca / Bill Cashmore and Andy Powrie
Explore Production
April
2008
Dramatic scene from Sylvia (ZEST, Nov 2007). Two women actors sit on a sofa against an urban cityscape backdrop.

Sylvia

A. R. Gurney
Explore Production
November
2007
Collage poster for Whose Life Is It Anyway? (ZEST, May 2007). Features actors in dramatic scenes set in a medical environment.

Whose Life is it Anyway?

Brian Clark
Explore Production
May
2007
Poster for Communicating Doors (ZEST, Nov 2026). Features six cast members in diverse attire with names and roles listed.

Communicating Doors

Alan Ayckbourn
Explore Production
November
2006
Casual scene from The Safari Party (ZEST, May 2026). Five actors perform on an attic-like stage set with rustic furniture.

The Safari Party

Tim Firth
Explore Production
May
2006
Collage for Death of a Salesman (ZEST, Nov 2005). Features the play's poster, planning team photos, and a figure with a briefcase.

Death of a Salesman

Arthur Miller
Explore Production
November
2005
Collage for Comedy Double Bill (ZEST, Sept 2005). Features lively, humorous scenes from The Guest Lecturer and Departure.

Comedy Double Bill
(The Guest Lecturer / Departure)

A. R. Gurney / Stephen Smith
Explore Production
September
2005
Promotional poster for Bold Girls (ZEST, May 2005). Features portraits of the four actresses (Angela Murray, Noeleen Blatch, Michelle Holmes, Emma-Kate Potter).

Bold Girls

Rona Munro
Explore Production
May
2005
Serious scene from Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit (ZEST, Nov 2004). Group of actors in dim lighting gathered around a small table.

Blithe Spirit

Noel Coward
Explore Production
November
2004
Collage of scenes from The Cemetery Club (ZEST, May 2004), including a cemetery backdrop and women on a vintage sofa.

The Cemetery Club

Ivan Menchel
Explore Production
May
2004
Joyful cast photo from Victorian Music Hall (ZEST, Mar 2004). Sepia-toned image of 21 people in vintage costumes, smiling.

Victorian Music Hall

Zurich Comedy Club
Explore Production
March
2004
Dramatic scenes from Nobody's Perfect (ZEST, Nov 2003). Woman actor in various poses, including by a desk with a mannequin.

Nobody's Perfect

Simon Williams
Explore Production
November
2003
Scene from The Clearing (ZEST, May 2003). Elderly man in a red 17th-century costume stands solemnly beside a woman in a dark dress.

The Clearing

Helen Edmundson
Explore Production
May
2003
Cast photo for The Vagina Monologues (2nd run) (ZEST, Mar 2003). Nine women in black and one man in white pose, smiling warmly.

The Vagina Monologues (2nd run by popular demand)

Eve Ensler
Explore Production
March
2003
Collage of scenes from Lady Windermere's Fan (ZEST, Nov 2002). Actors in period costumes on stage and in various settings.

Lady Windermere's Fan

Oscar Wilde
Explore Production
November
2002
Scene from The Vagina Monologues (ZEST, Sep 2002). Seven actors in black outfits seated on stools against a black backdrop.

The Vagina Monologues

Eve Ensler
Explore Production
September
2002
Scene from Neville's Island (ZEST, May 2002). Two men actors in winter clothing shiver, looking cold and distressed.

Neville's Island

Tim Firth
Explore Production
May
2002
Joyful scene from Picasso at the Lapin Agile (ZEST, Nov 2001). Seven actors in colorful, vintage costumes pose on stage.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile

Steve Martin
Explore Production
November
2001
Collage of scenes from Now, What is Love? (ZEST, May 2001). Actors in colorful period costumes convey drama and emotion.

Now, What is Love?

Zurich Comedy Club (Revue)
Explore Production
May
2001
Friendly cast photo for London Suite (ZEST, Nov 2000). Group of 15 people smiling, seated on red chairs and standing.

London Suite

Neil Simon
Explore Production
November
2000
Friendly cast photo for The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds (ZEST, May 2000). Five actors (three women, two men) smiling warmly.

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds

Paul Zindel
Explore Production
May
2000
Poster for The Wind in the Willows (ZEST, Nov 1999). Features a cartoon frog in aviator gear under willow branches.

Wind in the Willows

Joseph Baldwin
Explore Production
November
1999
Dramatic scene from My Mother Said I Never Should (ZEST, June 1999). Four actors in theatrical costumes on stage; one kneels with arm extended.

My Mother Said I Never Should

Charlotte Keatley
Explore Production
June
1999
Poster for Present from the Past (ZEST, Nov 1998). Features a spotlight on an empty plaid armchair with a white sheet and program.

Present From the Past

Richard Everett
Explore Production
November
1998
Placeholder image for Straight and Narrow, May 1998, a play by ZEST

Straight and Narrow

Jimmie Chinn
Explore Production
May
1998
Promotional poster for The Business of Murder (ZEST, Nov 1997). Red and black colors convey suspense.

The Business of Murder

Richard Harris
Explore Production
November
1997
Poster for An Evening of One Act Plays (ZEST, July 1997), featuring Parentcraft and Too Long an Autumn on a checkered background.

Parentcraft / Too Long an Autumn

Stephen Smith / Jimmie Chinn
Explore Production
July
1997
Whimsical poster for Time of My Life (ZEST, May 1997). Features a clock face illustration with a smile and bells as ears.

Time of My Life

Alan Ayckbourn
Explore Production
May
1997
Poster for Much Ado About Nothing (ZEST, Nov 1996). Features a rustic courtyard with a stone arch and lush greenery.

Much Ado About Nothing

William Shakespeare
Explore Production
November
1996
Poster for Lettice & Lovage (ZEST, May 1996). Features a juxtaposition of two women's faces: one serious, one smiling.

Lettice and Lovage

Peter Shaffer
Explore Production
May
1996

Past Productions 1955-1996

1996

Victorian Music Hall | Much Ado About Nothing | Lettice & Lovage

1995

Dancing at Lughasa | Someone Who'll Watch Over Me | The Problem/Properly Processed / Laundry & Bourbon

1994

Victorian Music Hall | A Woman of No Importance | Treats

1993

Same Time Next Year | Lunch Girls / Effie's Burning | Curtains | The Odd Couple (Female Version)

1992

Butley | Play On

1991

Amadeus | What's for Pudding? / The Proposal | James Joyce Festival (Participant) | Stepping Out

1990

The Glass Menagerie | Fringe Benefits | Lovers and Other Strangers | Victorian Music Hall

1989

Curtain Up | Green Forms / A Galway Girl | Groping for Words | Barefoot in the Park

1988

Tom Jones | Skirmishes

1987

The Collection/Mother | Victorian Music Hall | Pack of Lies | Table Manners

1986

Victorian Music Hall | Three One-Act Plays | Fiddler on the Roof | Educating Rita

1985

Alice in Wonderland | An Evening of Jane Austen | Bedroom Farce | Billy Liar

1984

Workshop | Macbeth | Rose

1983

Cinderella,Lovers | Hedda Gabler | Oh, What A Lovely War

1982

Twelfth Night | Forever England | Humoresque | Present Laughter

1981

The Importance of Being Earnest | Victorian Music Hall | The Killing of Sister George

1980

Move Over Mrs Markham | Equus | Now, What is Love? | Victorian Music Hall

1979

The Rivals | The Lion in Winter | Re-Joyce

1978

The Miracle Worker | Relatively Speaking | Mixed Doubles

1977

The Heiress | Out of the Crocodile | The Hollow Crown

1976

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie | How the Other Half Loves

1975

Wild Goose Chase | Arms and The Man

1974

Pygmalion | Aladdin | Gaslight

1973

Reluctant Heroes | Separate Tables

1972

Not Now Darling | The Chalk Garden

1971

The Rape of the Belt | Wait Until Dark

1970

Boeing-Boeing | Lady Windermere's Fan

1969

Brush with a Body | The Sleeping Prince

1968

My Three Angels | Five Finger Exercise

1967

Semi-Detached | The Happiest Days of Your Life

1966

See How They Run

1965

Nude with Violin

1964

Arsenic and Old Lace | Flowering Cherry

1963

She Stoops to Conquer

1962

Night Must Fall | The Complaisant Lover

1961

The Importance of Being Earnest | Blithe Spirit

1960

The White Sheep of the Family | Playbill

1959

Three One-Act Plays

1957

Night Was Our Friend | The Reluctant Debutante

1956

The Shop At Sly Corner | Hay Fever

1955

Quiet Weekend | As Long As They're Happy

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