The BDT Opens Ticket Sales for Second-Half-of-January Shows

If a January trip to Saint Petersburg is already on your calendar, here's a reason to check the theatre's website right now: starting October 28, 2026, the Bolshoi Drama Theatre (BDT), named after director Georgy Tovstonogov, opens ticket sales for shows in the second half of January. The lineup includes "Three Sisters" (Chekhov), "Crime and Punishment" (Dostoevsky), and "The Storm" (Ostrovsky).

Three different eras of Russian drama going on sale at once is a rare chance to pick a show based on what you actually want to see, rather than whatever's left.

What's known about dates and productions

The theatre's announcement names three shows for the second half of January: "Three Sisters", "Crime and Punishment", and "The Storm". It doesn't give exact performance dates for each production or cast details — check the theatre's website when buying.

All three are staples of the Russian literary canon, but the BDT's repertoire regularly gives them unconventional directorial readings, so even a familiar plot is worth seeing without expecting a straightforward "literature class on stage."

Getting to the BDT

The Bolshoi Drama Theatre sits on the Fontanka embankment, at house 65. The nearest metro stations are Vladimirskaya and Dostoevskaya (one interchange hub), followed by a 10-minute walk along the embankment. The area is convenient — the Vladimirsky Cathedral and the start of Nevsky Prospekt, with its cafés and shops, are both close by.

Who should plan a visit

If you've already seen these plays elsewhere or read the source novels, the BDT's take is worth comparing. If you're not familiar with the texts, it's worth brushing up on the plot before the show — directorial reinterpretations often shift the emphasis, and some choices can be hard to follow without that context.

What's nearby

This stretch of the Fontanka embankment is a quieter, less touristy part of the centre — a good match for a walk along the water before or after an evening show. If you're planning a fuller day in the city, you can book a guided tour for the time before the performance, especially if your evening is booked and the day is still open.

Book ahead

The second half of January in Saint Petersburg overlaps with the New Year holiday period, when demand for accommodation in the centre tends to run higher than on an ordinary weekday. If you've already secured a ticket to one of the three shows, book your room right away rather than waiting until closer to your travel dates.

Sales opened on October 28 — if you have your eye on one specific show out of the three announced, it's worth checking the theatre's site in the first days of the sale rather than putting off the decision. Book accommodation near the Fontanka embankment separately and early, especially if your trip falls on the January holiday dates.

Cover photo: Florstein ( Telegram: WikiPhoto.Space ), CC BY-SA 4.0, Викисклад