English-language theatre company looks to bridge local and international communities in Barcelona

Blue Book Theatre Company was born from the belief that theatre can bridge the local and international communities in Barcelona. With artists from over 25 countries, the company stages professional productions in English. Since its beginnings in the aftermath of the pandemic, the Blue Book Theatre Company has built a presence across Barcelona's stages. 

Actor Bruin Chan says he was drawn to the company precisely because of its unique role in the scene. "They're one of the few companies doing theatre in English in Barcelona," he explains. "I kept hearing about them in casting rooms, so I was really curious to get involved."

Their repertoire moves between dark comedy and intimate drama. In 2026, that work was recognised with the title of 'Theatre Company of the Year' at the Spanish Business Awards.

The idea behind the company emerged in the cultural vacuum left after Covid-19, when stages were quiet, but the city full of actors. The company brought them together through live performance and became both a creative and social project.

"Theatre is a great excuse to spend time together," explains the company's founder and coordinator Aileen M.Kelly. "Especially if there's a common goal." 

Today, the company is one of the few producing professional work of this kind in Barcelona.

"It's a really beautiful way for the international and national community to get together in one space and share a story," Kelly says.

That inclusivity is built into the company's DNA where actors rotate from production to production, with an effort to give opportunities to non-native English speakers as well as emerging and established directors. 

'In other words'

Their latest production is described by the founder as both devastating and tender. Over 75 minutes, 'In Other Words' blends music, dance, and a personal narrative about loving someone through long-term illness.

"It follows two people over about 60 years," Chan explains. "You see how their relationship evolves, and then how Alzheimer's slowly starts to take over." 

The play takes its name from the Frank Sinatra song that recurs throughout, marking moments of hope in the couple's journey.

"So many people know someone who's suffered from Alzheimer's," Chan says. "It's a very close-to-home topic."

The company avoids making theatre feel exclusive by working with well-known, published writers and clear narratives. They aim to remove the intimidation that sometimes surrounds the arts. "We try to stay as general as possible in storytelling," Kelly explains, "so everybody can come."

The play will run throughout April at Teatreneu in Barcelona and at El Retiro in Sitges.