Teatro Lara, Historic theatre in Malasaña, Madrid, Spain

Teatro Lara is a theatre in the Malasaña neighbourhood of Madrid with two performance spaces of different sizes. The main hall accommodates approximately 464 spectators, while the smaller Sala Lola Membrives holds around 120 people and serves experimental productions and smaller shows.

The theatre was founded by Cándido Lara and opened its doors on September 3, 1880. After the founder's death, the building faced demolition threats but was preserved and continues operating today.

The theatre serves as a gathering place where audiences experience contemporary musicals, children's shows, and experimental works throughout the year. The two spaces allow for different types of performances, from large-scale productions to more intimate presentations.

The building is located at Corredera Baja de San Pablo 15 near several metro stations in central Madrid. The Callao, Santo Domingo, and Tribunal metro stations are all easily accessible and offer good connections to the area.

The nickname 'la bombonera de Don Cándido' comes from the architect Carlos Velasco's design, described in the plans as 'small, proportionate and pleasingly agreeable' — a bonbon box for its compact, well-measured proportions, not its facade. The theatre was fitted into two courtyards of Cándido Lara's apartment building plus a lot on Calle de San Roque.