Potsdam's main venue for drama is the Hans-Otto-Theater, Zimmerstr. 10 (tel 03 31/2 30 38). The Schlosstheater (tel 03 31/27 57 10) in the Neues Schloss is an ideal stage for small-scale operas , and those by Mozart feature regularly; it is also sometimes used for concerts . The town's cabaret , Kabarett Obelisk, is at Schopenhauerstr. 27 (tel 03 31/29 10 69).

For nightlife the best bet is Lindenpark, Stahnsdorfer Str. 76-78 (tel 03 31/74 79 70) in Babelsberg, with regular "alternative" discos and live bands. Also recommendable is the Waschhaus, Schiffbauergasse 1 (tel 03 31/2 71 56 26, www.waschhaus.de ), just off Berliner Strasse on the way into town from the Glienicker BrA?cke, a large complex with live music, parties, galleries and an open-air cinema. At the same address is Fabrik (tel 03 31/2 80 03 14), a theatre for contemporary dance and new music. The Altes Rathaus (tel 03 31/29 20 79) offers local live bands on occasional weekends, while the Art Speicher disco, Zeppelinstr. 136 (tel 03 31/9 81 50, www.artspeicher.de ), is open Thursday to Saturday from 9pm.