If you're in Antwerp this summer, make sure to check if there's any concerts going on in Openluchttheater Rivierenhof... Openluchttheater is an open air amphitheatre in the middle of the biggest park in Antwerp. Not only does that mean there's no neighbours calling the police to complain about the noise, it's also the most beautiful green area in Antwerp to see a concert. And if you're not the sitting-down-type on concerts, there's plenty of room to stand above the amphitheatre fountain (just cross fingers there's no intern turning on the fountain after the encores, which got us wet pants two years ago, after the Tindersticks concert there). Another pro: the program this year is rather impressive.
Of course, there's also bad news. Being: you've probably missed the best concert of the year, already. Portishead was on last Tuesday and they left each and every member of the audience with the feeling that it will NEVER get BETTER than LAST TUESDAY.
We're not gonna bother you with a lengthy review, but just this: the sixpiece band, fronted by Beth Gibbons played an exquisite set, mainly consisting from songs from the classic 1994 debut 'Dummy' and the 2008 already classic '3rd' album. Some sparse but efficient visuals and the fairytale-like surroundings made for a perfect experience. The audience (8000 people wanted a ticket and only 2000 got in – which stirred up the ambience on Facebook a bit) seemed to have come for the 'Dummy' songs, but we were mostly impressed by the near-industrial sub-bassy stuff from '3rd'. Anyway: the setlist is above.
So you missed out on Portishead, but there's still enough concerts coming up this summer not to be missed. Next up: Lamb, Thurston Moore, Sigur Ros, The Roots, Steel Pulse, Josh T. Pearson. Some of those concerts are already sold out, but if you bring your rubber boots, you may be able to wade through the water surrounding the amphitheatre (just don't tell security we told you so). And if you've run out of money: on friday nights there's always free (Belgian) partybands playing. (Info and tickets: )
Second tip: Royal Deluxe is back in town. If you don't know what Royal Deluxe is you're probably not from Antwerp. That's okay – nobody's perfect. Royal Deluxe are a French street theatre group, who came to Antwerp in summer three times already. They're reknowned for giant mechanical puppets, all driven by human muscle power. The plays Royal Deluxe brings to town are never less than magical. 6 years ago they brought along a REALLY big elephant + a really cute princess + some rockets. A week on end, everyone followed the princess' search for the elephant. Everyone who was not on a holiday had seen the quest, and there was only one subject to talk about that entire week. People who returned from their holidays suddenly realized they probably missed out on the most beautiful theatre play they'd ever see.
This time Royal Deluxe doesn't take you on another spectacular parade of giants. Instead they bring 'Rue de la Chute', a theatre play (in French) that's a parody on classic western movies. It's funny, but also a bit bloody and violent, so better don't bring your little baby sister, she might be traumatized for life.
You'll have to be fast, though. Royal Deluxe will perform 'Rue de la Chute' today (Friday) at 19:00 plus Saturday and Sunday (16:00). No need to buy tickets: there's 1200 seats, but do make sure you arrive in time to get one of those seats, because Royal Deluxe is really popular in Antwerp. Oh – and it's in open air, so you better bring your diving suit or an umbrella, because Antwerp ain't exactly the Sunshine Capital of Europe, this summer. (info: )