The Salon Varietes Theatre venue was built in 1925
and actually ran as a theatre until 1956 when it was turned into a cinema. It showed films in Spanish and once a week films in English which was a wonderful treat for
the ex-pats in those days.
Spearheaded by Mike Lewin and Annie Spiers a determined group of people negotiated a long term lease on The Salon with the landlord, Manuel Balbuena, who was delighted at the
prospect of the theatre coming to life once more. With the blood, sweat, toil and probably a few tears from a hard-working core of dedicated people, many of whom are still very
active in the theatre today, everything was changed - except the name - and the place we all know and love as The Salon Varietes Theatre was born.
It opened its doors for the first time on June 14th 1985: on the bill was one Bernard Stanley Bilk - better known as Acker Bilk, accompanied by his Paramount Jazz band.
The Salon offers a wide choice of productions: musicals, drama, revues, comedies and farce making it a unique cultural centre for foreign residents and visitors alike. Over the years it has become a hub for this vibrant community by offering a cultural and sociable place where people can come and enjoy a wide and varied choice of theatrical experiences.
The Salon Varietes is still the only true live English-Speaking theatre on the Costa del Sol. The Salon's Board, SALVA, works very hard to maintain the superb standard that has been achieved over the years by a dedicated band of extremely talented people. Some have been involved in the professional theatre and now give their knowledge generously and gladly to keep the doors of the Salon open. However, it also allows for amateurs to try out for shows and develop their craft side by side with experienced performers.
The Salon Varietes Theatre has 3 hardworking members of full time staff. Sarah-Jane, the box office manager, Bill Forbes, the technical stage manager, and Nik Prescott, Sound and Light technician. All other roles at the theatre are voluntary, including that for the SALVA management Board, who are elected by members of the association on a 2 year tenure.
SALVA is a Cultural Association, a non-profit entity which does not benefit from any industry or local government grants at this time.
The SALVA board have a breadth of experience and knowledge from a variety of industry sectors, and can be contacted directly or via the box office for questions or queries. Each member of the SALVA Board is tasked with a number of direct responsibilities, although it is the collaborative effort of the team, along with a wider volunteering community, that allows for the continued stability of the theatre.
The theatre activities have, over the years, have become run in much the same way as a charitable organisation, and is accountable to it's members at each annual AGM meeting (usually held in late Autumn). A qualified Accountant and Gestor is employed to provide the theatre with monthly financial updates and annual accounts, which are provided to the members of the Association.
In June 2022 the Salon celebrates its 37th Birthday and that is thanks to all the people past and present whose hard work and dedication have made it what it is today. Each and every volunteer and patron has an important role to play in keeping this institution alive, in the heart of Fuengirola. Viva Salon Varietes!