Spejbl and Hurvínek: 80 Years in Prague, 95 Years on Stage
The Spejbl and Hurvínek Theatre, one of the oldest professional puppet theatres in the world, will celebrate 80 years since its move to Prague on October 12, 2025. This iconic duo, strict father Spejbl and his curious son Hurvínek, has become a symbol of Czech humor and puppetry, winning the hearts of audiences both at home and abroad.
The theatre was founded in 1930 in the West Bohemian city of Plzeň by Josef Skupa, a prominent puppeteer and satirist. After the war, the troupe relocated to Prague, where it remains active to this day. In 2025, due to renovations at its permanent home in Dejvice, the theatre temporarily moved to the Grandhotel International.
Spejbl was created in 1920 as a caricature of a petty bourgeois father, and Hurvínek joined him in 1926. Since then, their stories have evolved not only on stage but also through radio, vinyl records, television, and later digital media.
An International Phenomenon
Spejbl and Hurvínek have performed in 34 countries across four continents. As early as 1929, they appeared in France, and later in Belgium, Egypt, India, Japan, Mexico, and many other nations. Their humor, rooted in wordplay, situational comedy, and the intergenerational dynamic, has resonated with audiences regardless of language barriers.
