What is it about Wallmans that engages and delights 40,000 people a year while simultaneously provoking the upper class? We believe the answer lies in an electrifying show, dancing waiters, delicious food and drinks, and, most importantly, a crowd that's annoyingly in a great mood!

“We’re focused on creating an atmosphere where our guests can forget about their everyday lives for a few hours and leave a little happier than when they arrived. We need that more than ever,” says Cecilie Trøan Kjelsaas.

Every Day Is a Party

As the general manager at Wallmans, Kjelsaas knows what she’s talking about. Like many others in the theater and restaurant industry, Wallmans had to close its doors for much of the past two years. Now, the legendary venue at Mølla by Akerselva is finally open again, much to the delight of both new and returning guests—and especially the staff.

“At Wallmans, every day is a party, and about 90 employees work day and night to bring joy into people's lives. We aim to touch hearts, evoke laughter, tears, and smiles. I believe the positive power of laughter and joy makes life a little easier to live,” says Kjelsaas.

Dancing Waiters Serving Delicious Food

The story of Wallmans began with the Swede Hans “Hasse” Wallman. In the 1960s, he became Stockholm’s entertainment king, running several restaurants in the Swedish capital and organizing large concerts with everyone from Lill Babs to The Beatles and Rolling Stones. His vision was to combine good food and entertainment in a way that had never been seen before. He achieved this by launching artists who could also serve! In the fall of 2000, Wallmans opened at Mølla in Oslo, and the waiters danced, tapped, sang, and served their way into the hearts of guests—and critics alike.

Read our anniversary article here

“Welcome to an electrifying show featuring a mix of past and new performances and a delicious 4-course menu with the season's best ingredients. Thanks to world-renowned choreographers, fantastic costume designers, show producers, talented artists, and production teams, we can offer our guests a truly special and unique experience,” promises Wallmans on their website. And they deliver on those expectations. Guests are quick to send positive messages after a visit.

“What a fantastic evening. 6 out of 6,” writes one. “Not only is the show great. The food is delicious too! And the atmosphere! This is the recipe for a magical night,” writes another. “The show exceeded all expectations, and we had a great night! The show was incredibly impressive, and the food was delicious. Highly recommended,” writes a third. And we could go on.

Too Popular for the Upper Class?

According to a reputation survey conducted by Norstat, guests who have visited Wallmans are very satisfied with their experience. However, those who haven’t visited seem to think Wallmans is tacky.

“It’s quite strange that those who haven’t visited us think we’re tacky,” says Kjelsaas, laughing.

“A visit to Wallmans is meant to be a party with entertainment for everyone. And if there’s anything people need right now, it’s entertainment and fun. Recently, we had a visit from a restaurant reviewer who, in addition to criticizing the food—which many of our guests give top marks—also took on the role of cultural critic! He found the show disruptive and complained about the good mood, that the audience laughs and cheers, that the artists ‘get the crowd going,’ and that it’s ‘full-on party and stormy jubilation.’ He wrote this as criticism, but that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be at Wallmans!”

Often, the term "tacky" is used to describe popular culture that appeals to the masses. “A person who is tacky is often perceived by others as unsophisticated, vulgar, or having poor taste,” according to Wikipedia.

“Several of our guests reacted to the condescending tone in the review and felt labeled as tacky simply because they enjoyed themselves with us. That being said, it takes more than that to shake both our guests and our staff. We receive daily messages from our guests telling us how much they’re looking forward to visiting us for both Christmas parties and New Year’s celebrations,” says Kjelsaas.

“Yes, maybe you’ll get better food at one of the city’s gourmet restaurants, but you won’t find this kind of atmosphere anywhere else. We guarantee that! Why not come and see for yourself?”