Steife Brise breaks the world record for ‘World’s Longest Theatre Performance (Team)’

It’s done: the Steife Brise improv theatre troupe performed improvised theatre non-stop for 86 hours alongside their guests. Even when the fire alarm went off, the troupe took the audience by the hand and carried on performing for over 20 minutes in the stairwell, outside the theatre and on the street, until the stage was clear again. There was crime theatre, sailors’ yarns, improv comedy, werewolves in action, musicals, heart-wrenching love stories, dramatic feuds, all manner of eccentricities and so much more. Of the 20 record-breakers, there were always at least 5 on stage (and sometimes as many as 20). At all times of the day and night, there was a large enough audience to meet the official requirements (at least five people) – during peak times throughout Theatre Night, long queues formed outside the entrance. In total, more than 1,000 people witnessed our world record attempt live, whilst over 8,500 watched the live stream.

The world record was officially confirmed by the REKORD-INSTITUT für DEUTSCHLAND (RID): “The Hamburg-based improvisational theatre group Steife Brise has officially set a new world record on stage: from 3 to 6 September 2026, the ensemble performed improvisational theatre in turns and without interruption on the Hafenbühne at the PIERDREI Hotel in Hamburg. The RECORD INSTITUTE for GERMANY (RID) officially recognised the feat as a world record in the category ‘longest theatre performance (team)’. Under the motto ‘A world record in 86 hours’, Steife Brise took on an extraordinary theatrical challenge. The programme ranged from a crime thriller to a werewolf show and a musical. All the scenes were created live and were entirely improvised. The record attempt was also an official part of the programme for the Long Night of the Theatres.”

We are delighted to have achieved the world record as an ensemble alongside wonderful guests from all over Germany. What a team effort!

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to: • the most wonderful audience, who supported us throughout the world record attempt at all hours of the day and night with their presence, their suggestions and their energy • our host – the HAFENBÜHNE at the PIERDREI HOTEL in HafenCity, Hamburg – and the best hotel team in the world • our sponsors DEVK and Miniaturwunderland, who have supported us so wonderfully We are delighted to be able to support the Hamburger Tierschutzverein von 1841 e. V. and Hanseatic Help e. V. with the proceeds from the admission fees.