With Colt, Tambourine, and Whistle - Guest Stars in Bad Segeberg - Bad Segeberg's Karl May Festival Returns with a Thrilling New Summer Spectacle
The Karl May Festival in Bad Segeberg is set to open on June 27 with its latest production, In the Valley of Death. Running until September 6, the event will feature sweeping music, dance, and lavish costumes alongside a story packed with suspense, action, and humour. Over 72 performances are planned for the summer season.
This year's play introduces a colourful cast of characters: a cunning villain named Roulin, a quirky British eccentric called Sir John Raffley, and a fiery Mexican woman, Miranda. Leading the production are guest stars Florian Fitz, Heinrich Schafmeister, and Isabel Varell, bringing their talent to the open-air stage.
The festival has steadily grown in popularity over the past five years. Attendance dipped to around 120,000 in 2021 due to pandemic restrictions but rebounded sharply. By 2022, visitor numbers climbed to 280,000, followed by 310,000 in 2023 and 320,000 in 2024. This year, organisers expect roughly 330,000 guests, continuing the upward trend.
Performances will take place from Thursday to Sunday each week. The production blends adventure, drama, and lighthearted moments, all set against the festival's signature grand staging.
With 72 shows scheduled, In the Valley of Death will dominate the summer programme. The festival's mix of spectacle and storytelling has drawn increasing crowds since 2021. This year's edition aims to build on that success with a fresh cast and an action-filled plot.
