ARISE Grand Show at Friedrichstadt Palast Berlin

Before starting this Big Trip 3 and while researching for things to do in Berlin, I came across information about a show "ARISE" held at Friedrichstadt-Palast. 

What interested me was that it claims to be the world's biggest theatre stage. I was intrigued.

I went to the ticket centre to ask some questions about the show, eg

1. As a non-German speaker, will I have problems understanding the show? 

Ans: The show is conducted in a mix of German and English, and should not have any issues with understanding the show

2. How long is the show?

Ans: 2.5hrs with a half hour intermission.

3. Do you do last minute discounted tickets? 

Ans: No. In fact, prices may increase closer to date.

So I decided to get my tickets, originally looking at purchasing it online so I can choose my seating, but I had problems putting the order through. 

Thankfully I was at the ticket centre when I was doing the search, and after identifying the seat I wanted online, I went to get it purchased through the ticket centre (no additional cost involved).

At time of purchasing (one day before the show date), it looked like already 75% full. However, a couple seats around me were still empty, and I was hoping they will stay empty so I can move to those seats (which were in a higher category).

Alas, no such luck. It was fully packed inside the theatre. Completely no social distancing whatsoever. 

What I was surprised, was that it was mandatory to wear a mask the moment you enter into the building, but once you get to your seat in the theatre, you are allowed to take your mask off. Very ironic. 

I kept mine on throughout the whole time, especially when the old lady seated next to me was coughing quite badly at certain points. I also noted there seemed to be a higher percentage of older folks, possibly because the tickets aren't cheap. 

The show is a mix of musical, cirque du soleil and cabaret style of performance. It dazzles you with the sheer number of performers, colourful costumes, dancing, aerial arts and acrobatics in certain parts of the show. 

There was even a scene where the stage transformed into a water feature with huge pool in the centre and with mini waterfalls on each side of the stage. 

There's apparently also a storyline about how a photographer lost its mojo at some point and how he striked a deal with time, and was given a muse for a day to get his mojo back. 

In my opinion, the acts did not gel very well to deliver the story. It could also be possible they may had explained it during the moments when they spoke in German, which I didn't understand. So I just watched it for its entertainment value.

For a claim of the world's biggest theatre stage, I had the expectations it would be bigger. Overall, watch only if you have extra time in Berlin and have extra cash to spare.