Teatermakeriet is preparing for the premiere of the farce Panikk på Pensjonatet at Kulissemagasinet in Oscars gate, according to an on-the-ground report by Halden Arbeiderblad (HA). Scheduled for September 23, the production marks the local theater group’s first venture into adult-targeted farce, following previous family productions like Karlsson på Taket in 2023 and Pippi in 2025.
Bringing a Swedish Farce to the Halden Stage
Originally written by Swedish comedian and dramatist Krister Classon and translated by Arnfinn Hagen, Panikk på Pensjonatet is a classic entanglement comedy. According to co-director Martin Kingsrød Larsen, the idea for the production has been in development since 2024. Following a recruitment period in 2025 that featured theater games and auditions, the final ensemble was established.
“The idea has been ruget på altfor lenge,” Kingsrød Larsen told Halden Arbeiderblad regarding the lengthy gestation period. The production team shares directing duties between Kingsrød Larsen and Liv Anne Fossbråten, while Iris Jamne handles set design, props, and costumes. Additional crew members include makeup artist Milo Ødegaard and stage master Jonas Borge Stafsengen.
A Diverse Ensemble of Local and National Talent
The cast brings together a mix of experienced performers and newcomers. Cast member Marianne Skogheim noted to HA that she had never acted in theater prior to this production. Meanwhile, actors Jon Erling Lindquist and June Holt return to the stage together, though in a shifted dynamic; the two previously portrayed father and daughter in a prior production, but now play romantic partners according to Lindquist.
The ensemble also draws talent from outside Halden. Stine Merete Bråthen commutes from the capital to participate in the rehearsals. The complete cast features Silje Sørby Hansen as Ruth, Stine Merete Bråthen as Berthe, Jens Olav Johansen as Postmannen Dag-Otto, Josefine Regine Borge as Harry, Julian Stø Berg as Sten, June Lisbeth Holt as Spionen Ella, Jon Erling Lindquist as Walther, Marianne Skogheim as Gretha, and Liv-Anne Fossbråten as Karl.
Did you know?
Kulissemagasinet, which typically functions as a storage space for theater sets, has been transformed into an intimate theater space specifically for this production, offering the cast a chance to rehearse on the exact venue layout audiences will experience.
Intensive Rehearsals and Young Talent
Mastering a farce requires precise comedic timing, rapid dialogue delivery, and physical movement. Director Fossbråten highlighted the development of 17-year-old Julian Stø Berg, who is undertaking his first adult production in the demanding role of a confident, slick character named Sten. Fossbråten praised the young actor’s progress throughout the rehearsal process.
Performances are set for September 23, with subsequent shows on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, starting at 19:00 each evening. To accommodate the audience, the organizers have partnered with Bakgården Restaurant to offer dining options before the show. Financial and logistical support for the production is provided by Sparebank1Stiftelsen Halden, Berg Sparebank, Halden kommune, Bakgården Restaurant, Lotus Blomster Halden, Mathisen Audio, Juleselskapet, and Kulturhuset i Halden.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the premiere of Panikk på Pensjonatet?
The premiere takes place on September 23, with additional performances on September 25 and 26 at 19:00.
Where are the performances being held?
The show is staged at Kulissemagasinet in Oscars gate, Halden.
Who wrote the play?
The farce was written by Swedish comedian Krister Classon and translated into Norwegian by Arnfinn Hagen.
Who directs the production?
The directing responsibilities are shared between Martin Kingsrød Larsen and Liv Anne Fossbråten.
Want to stay updated on local theater productions and cultural events in Halden? Leave a comment below or share this article with fellow culture enthusiasts.
Related reading