Barcelona’s theatre scene faces a busy year as Focus, the city’s basic theatre group, announces a €14.5 million season featuring 60 productions. It is the largest programme in the group’s history, spanning the Romea, Condal, La Villarroel and Goya theatres. Focus is marking its 40th anniversary after drawing 534,000 spectators last season. The group’s leaders say the new lineup is designed to keep Barcelona at the center of the performing arts.
This season brings back some of the city’s best-known names. Josep Maria Flotats will direct and star in "La promesa del alba" at the Romea. At the Goya, Sílvia Munt directs a new version of "Sector desde el puente," featuring David Selvas. Lluís Homar appears in "El gran inquisidor," based on Dostoevsky’s "Los hermanos Karamazov." Emma Vilarasau returns to the Villarroel in "Els fills," alongside Jordi Boixaderas and Mercè Aranega, with Selvas directing. Focus CEO Isabel Vidal says the productions showcase the group’s creative ambition and the draw of its leading actors after four decades on stage.
"The 2026-2027 Focus season will feature a record 60 productions across four major Barcelona theatres, supported by a €14.5 million budget."
: El Periódico
The programme extends beyond star vehicles. The Romea will also stage "El hijo de la cómica," a tribute to Fernando Fernán-Gómez featuring José Sacristán, and welcome La Zaranda back with "Todos los ángeles alzaron el vuelo." The Goya’s schedule includes a third season of "Un sogre de lloger" with Joan Pera, along with "Una idea genial," starring Lluís Villanueva, and "Los días perfectos" with Leonardo Sbaraglia. At the Villarroel, audiences will see "Les filles," a tragicomedy by Jordi Casanovas, and new works including "Primera llei de Newton" and Pau Roca’s "Morning sun." La Vanguardia reports that the varied programme is intended to reach a broad range of theatregoers and keep Focus basic to Barcelona’s cultural life.
Family shows are also on the programme. Adaptations including Anna Llenas’s "El monstre de colors" and Marta Buchaca’s "Alícia al país dels móvils" join "Sopa de lletres" and "Tinc un volcà." The Condal opens with Cesc Gay’s "53 domingos," followed by "Bons i dolents" with Joel Joan and the musical "Germans de sang." Other highlights are "Las trece," about women who fought fascism, and the return of "Shampoo." BroadwayWorld Spain says children’s and family programming is basic to Focus’s effort to build new audiences and sustain live theatre in the city.
Focus’s leaders say they understand the challenge. General director César Martínez credited the founders with the group’s longevity and called the future a "dream" in progress. CEO Isabel Vidal described Focus as a central player in Barcelona’s culture. President Daniel Martínez dedicated the season to the late Àngel Alonso, founder of the Villarroel. After five years of record attendance, the group is counting on continued public support.
"Last season, Focus’s four Barcelona theatres drew 534,000 spectators and generated approximately €14.77 million in box office revenue, the highest in the company’s history. This achievement has been widely confirmed by independent Spanish and Catalan media outlets covering the 2026-2027 season launch."
: La Vanguardia
Last season, Focus staged 68 productions over 1,402 performances, bringing in €14.7 million in box office revenue. Those figures put the group at the top of Barcelona’s performing arts scene and raise expectations. Focus’s ability to attract leading talent while offering a varied programme responds directly to the city’s growing interest in live culture. Music offers another example: Barcelona has become a magnet for major events.
The 40th anniversary season celebrates the group’s past while betting on Barcelona’s cultural future. Focus is aiming to set a new standard for theatre in the city, pairing well-known actors with new works and a record budget.
