Theatre building in the evening.

Main stage foyer.

Main stage auditorium.

Buffet.

Staircase.

Buff-plus.

Mirror hall.

Mirror hall.

«Buff’s» revival in Russia happened in the year 1983. The head of contemporary «Buff» theatre is its creator — Russia’s national artiste, professor of Saint-Petersburg Academy of Theatric art Isaak Romanovich Shtokbant.

«In 1983 I graduated a group of performers in Leningrad State Institute of Theatre, Music and Cinematography, — tells Isaak Shtokbant. — That were talented guys. Having received diplomas they didn’t run up and set up their own theatre. According its genre, we wanted to name it just theatre-cabaret. Bosses looked at me as at abnormal: what the cabaret in Soviet state?! Then I remembered of Buff. Buff was agreed on. In that word was something from Mayakovskii, from his „Mystery-buff“. But now I’m glad not to be allowed to name us theatre-cabaret. That what we do in present times is too wide to get in the narrow framework of cabaret art».

There are classical comedies, musicals, melodramas, musical shows, concerts on the stage of today’s «Buff». Of a particular role is development of domestic musicals. As against famous western samples where the plot plays subordinate role ceding predominating place to dance and song in «Buff» musicals are created on a dramatic outline (play is laid the base, rather than script). Not losing psychological depth, statements keep ease of perception and sated with kind flashing humor. Famous composers V. Uspenskii and V. Pleshak are cooperate with «Buff» and with their co-authorship were created musicals «The Great Combinator», «Millionaire», «Casanova in Russia», «Jeanne’s Temptation», «Love Without Borders», «Thieves Ball».

Special place in theatre repertoire take plays of theatre art director I. R. Shtokbant. He wrote and represented performances «One Night From the Woman’s Life», «Circus Left, Clowns Stood», «Jeanne’s Temptation», «Casanova in Russia», «Love Without Borders», «Rehearsal Encore», «Flat For a Lover (Lina)».

There are three scenic platforms: Basic stage (300 seats), Mirror hall (100 seats) and «Buff-plus» (50 seats).

In the Mirror hall and «Buff-plus» variety programs are on. Actors own many genres of performances: dance, sing, conjure, compose parodies an so on. In relaxing conditions of cosy halls with tables and soft armchairs spectators have an opportunity to take part in events on the stage. Compere flashing humor and performances of the most different variety genres attract to the «Buff» theatre all the people who wish to have a funny and pleasant time. There is an opportunity to rent premises for anniversary celebrations, graduation parties, corporate holidays.

«Buff» is actively working with the children’s audience. Performances for junior spectators are presented on the weekends and school holidays at all the theatre stages. Moreover the distinguishing feature of «Buff’s» performances is a game nature: children are not simply watching for a fantastic history but also have a chance to take part in its progress. Together with cheerful characters they play, dance, sing, guess riddles and win prizes. In the theatre repertoire are included such performances as «Treasures Island», «Laughless Tsazevna», «Baron Munchausen’s Adventures», «Pinocchio», «Ostrovok», «Hurrah, Holidays!» and so on.

Theatre presented its performances and concert programs in Moscow, Minsk, Tallinn, Tashkent, Alma-Ta, Odessa, Dnepropetrovsk, Samara; in France, USA, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway and Finland.