Whether you are learning Spanish or already fluent, there are evenings when you want culture in your own language, or in the original language of the work. Madrid has more of it than people expect. You just need to know the codes.
Cinema: learn three letters
In Spain, many foreign films are dubbed into Spanish. To see a film in its original language, look for these labels on listings:
- V.O.S.E. (versión original subtitulada en español): original language with Spanish subtitles.
- V.O. (versión original): original language, sometimes with subtitles, sometimes without.
- V.O.S.I.: original language with English subtitles, which you will occasionally see for Spanish films.
Several cinemas in central Madrid programme original-version screenings daily, and many large multiplexes show the big releases in V.O.S.E. at certain times. Check each cinema’s listings, as schedules change every week.
The Filmoteca
For classic and international cinema, the Cine Doré, home of the Filmoteca Española near Antón Martín, screens a rotating programme of films, usually in their original language with subtitles. It is a beautiful old cinema and one of the best-value nights out in the city.
Theatre and live performance
Most of Madrid’s theatre is in Spanish. That does not have to stop you. Dance, music, circus, physical theatre and many experimental pieces work without much dialogue. International companies visit, particularly during festivals such as the autumn Festival de Otoño, and some productions offer surtitles. Independent groups also stage occasional plays in English. Check listings on esMadrid and the venues’ own pages.
Books and talks
Madrid has English-language bookshops and a steady programme of talks, readings and events at cultural institutes and libraries. Cultural centres linked to other countries also run events in their own languages, which can be a good way to meet people.
Live comedy in English
Comedy is where Madrid’s English-speaking culture is most alive. There are English stand-up nights across the centre every week, from open mics to full shows, and audiences mix expats, visitors and Spanish speakers who love comedy in English.
Madrid Comedy Shows is a community of comedians putting on English comedy in the city. Every show we list is performed entirely in English.
Two shows with something to say
The Arab and the Jew was created by Rachel Arieff and Mehdi Mahtaj. A Moroccan Muslim man and an American Jewish woman share the stage for stand-up, sketches, music, personal stories and an honest conversation about politics, identity and Palestine. If you like culture that leaves you talking on the way home, start here, or read more about what the show sets out to do.
No Offense, But... is the opposite energy: a chaotic mix of stand-up, live podcast moments and improv with some of the funniest comics in Madrid. Both play at Off Latina in La Latina.
Make it a habit
A film in V.O.S.E. on a Tuesday, a show on a Thursday, a reading on the weekend: an English-language evening once a week can make living in a new language much easier. For a wider list, see our guide to things to do in Madrid in English, and check what’s on for our next dates.
