Troy Dinner-Show

Mythology gets a lively makeover here. The Troy Dinner-Show in Heraklion turns the Greek and Trojan conflict into a family-friendly theatre event with singing, dancing, acrobatics, aerial acts, and audience participation. You do not simply watch the story unfold. Using your phone, you can vote during parts of the performance and help decide what happens next.

I like the polished theatre setting, with a large screen and a stage that reaches into the audience. I also like the mix of entertainment styles, since the cast does far more than deliver a standard stage play. The main point to consider is that Troy is designed for families, so couples seeking an adult evening may find the tone too young.

The experience costs about $42.33 per person and lasts roughly three hours. That price can make sense if you value a full evening of food and entertainment, though the quality of the meal and service appears less consistent than the show itself.

Key points to know before booking

• The show begins at 8:30 p.m., after doors open at 7 p.m. and dinner starts at 7:30 p.m.
• Your phone can affect the story, with voting and games available through a QR-code app.
• Acrobatics and aerial performances are major highlights, alongside music, dance, and mythology.
• Troy is the family show, not the provider’s adult-oriented Spectacular production.
• Transfers are optional from a long list of resorts and towns around Heraklion and eastern Crete.
• Food and service can vary, so guests with allergies should confirm details again on arrival.

What the Troy Dinner-Show actually is

The Alar Dinner-Show Theatre presents Troy as a playful retelling of the struggle between Greeks and Trojans. Rather than offering a serious historical or literary production, it uses Greek mythology as the framework for a variety show.

That distinction matters. The performance combines a story with singing, dancing, acrobatics, aerial work, audience games, and visual effects. If you expect a clear, traditional account of the Trojan War, parts may feel loose or confusing. If you want a lively night with mythology as the theme, the format makes more sense.

The production is built for broad age groups. Children can follow the heroes, gods, costumes, and physical performances, while adults may enjoy the athletic skill and the playful competition between the two sides. The show also has a positive message near the end, which adds a little more purpose than a simple collection of stage acts.

One unusual feature is the interactive phone element. Scan the QR code and you can use the custom app to vote, play, and influence certain contests. Your choices do not turn the show into a fully different production, but they help make the audience feel involved.

Arriving at the Alar theatre

The theatre has room for about 300 people, based on the available venue information. It includes a giant screen and a stage that extends toward the spectators, which helps bring the action closer to the audience.

If you arrive without a transfer, you go directly to the Alar Dinner-Show Theatre. Doors open at 7 p.m. The entrance area may not have much shade or seating before opening, so arriving very early could mean standing outside for a while. This is worth remembering during a warm Cretan evening.

The schedule is set out clearly:

• Doors open at 7 p.m.
• Dinner begins at 7:30 p.m.
• The pre-show and character presentation take place around the start of dinner
• The main Troy performance begins at 8:30 p.m.

This means the evening is not a three-hour stage show. Dinner, introductions, and the main performance are all part of the program. If you arrive expecting the action to begin at 7 p.m., you may feel the pace is slow at first. I would treat the early period as part of the evening rather than as wasted time.

The theatre itself receives strong praise for its appearance and layout. A stage that reaches into the seating area can make acrobatics and audience interaction feel more immediate. The large screen also helps with the visual side of the production, particularly when the cast is spread across the stage.

Dinner before the main show

Food is included as part of the dinner-show package, and the meal is described as a four-course dinner. Several dishes receive praise, including vegetarian and vegan choices. That is useful for families or groups with different dietary needs, since everyone is not limited to the same meat-based meal.

At the same time, food and service are the least predictable part of the evening. Some diners describe the meal as very good, even calling it one of the best parts of the experience. Others report cold dishes, slow service, and meals arriving at different times.

The most serious warning concerns food allergies. A request may be passed to the kitchen, but the serving staff may not always know the details. If you have an allergy, tell the provider in advance and repeat the information to the restaurant team when you arrive. Ask staff to identify each dish clearly before eating it.

Vegan food has received both positive and negative reactions. Some diners found the vegan choices satisfying, while another found the vegetable and rice filling bland. That gap suggests you should view the meal as a useful part of the package, not the main reason to book.

Timing can also affect your impression of dinner. If one person’s food arrives long after everyone else has finished, the evening becomes awkward, especially with children. The show may be excellent, but a poorly coordinated meal can take some shine off the experience.

Drinks are not necessarily included in every package. Some options include drinks, while other diners paid separately and found the prices reasonable. Check exactly what your selected option covers before confirming the booking.

The 8:30 p.m. performance

Once the main show begins, the production shifts into a more energetic gear. Greek and Trojan characters compete for control, and the audience is invited to take part in the outcome.

The cast uses several performance styles:

• Singing
• Dancing
• Acting
• Acrobatics
• Aerial performances
• Audience voting and phone-based games

The acrobatics are repeatedly praised as a highlight. The aerial acts, in particular, provide the kind of visual spectacle that works well in a dinner theatre. You do not need a detailed knowledge of Greek mythology to appreciate the athletic work.

Athena is a memorable character for children, and the performers playing the leading roles carry much of the production. The international cast is described as talented, with strong singers and engaging stage performers.

The story is not always easy to follow. One part of the audience may enjoy the loose, playful approach, while another may want a more coherent account of Troy. The show is better understood as a variety performance linked by a mythological plot than as a serious drama.

That also explains why some of the acts may feel separate from the main story. The acrobats, singers, dancers, and actors each have their own moments, and the connections between them are sometimes light. I would not book this expecting the structure of a West End musical or a classical theatre production.

The interactive elements help keep the performance moving. You may vote on contests or outcomes several times, and the audience’s choices add a bit of friendly rivalry. Scan the QR code early so you do not miss chances to participate.

Is it really suitable for couples?

This is the most important booking question. Troy is clearly aimed at families, though adults and couples can still enjoy it if they like Greek mythology, stage spectacle, and audience participation.

The provider also presents a separate show called Spectacular, described as the more adult-oriented production. If you are planning a romantic night or prefer mature comedy and a less child-centered tone, ask about that option instead.

Couples who book Troy should expect children in the audience and a cheerful, interactive style. That is not a flaw, but it is a basic part of the product. The performance is not presented as a quiet dinner with background entertainment.

For families, the format is much easier to recommend. Children can watch the physical acts, recognize the battle between the two sides, and take part through the phone app. The show gives them something to discuss after the curtain closes, which is often more valuable than a simple meal out.

The optional transfer from Heraklion and nearby resorts

Pickup is available, but only if you select the transfer option when booking. You then provide your accommodation or pickup place and receive the exact time and location the day before the show.

The transfer area is broad. Service is offered from Malia, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Sissi, Karteros, Heraklion, Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, Milatos, and Fodele.

That can add real value. A late evening event is easier when you do not need to find the theatre, arrange a taxi, or drive after dinner. It also lets you enjoy drinks without worrying about the return journey.

Allow for some waiting after the show. A transfer may not leave the instant the performance ends, particularly when several vehicles are serving different hotels. One reported arrangement involved a short wait before a direct ride back to the accommodation. The provider says a private transfer can reach the hotel quickly once it departs, but you should still avoid scheduling anything immediately afterward.

If you choose the no-transfer option, you are responsible for reaching the theatre yourself. The exact theatre address is not included in the supplied details, so confirm directions before leaving your hotel.

Value at $42.33 per person

At about $42.33 per person, Troy is not a bargain meal with a short local performance. You are paying for a full evening that combines dinner, a purpose-built theatre, professional performers, technical production, and audience interaction.

For a family, the price can compare well with paying separately for dinner and entertainment. The transfer option may improve the value further, especially if you are staying outside central Heraklion. On the other hand, the value drops if you mainly want a high-quality meal or a serious theatre experience.

The food is the variable that makes the price harder to judge. When the meal arrives on time and suits your dietary needs, the package feels more complete. When dishes are cold or delayed, the performance has to carry the full weight of the ticket.

The theatre also appears to be relatively new and may not always be full. A quieter night can mean more comfortable seating or even an upgrade, but it may lack the crowd energy that makes interactive theatre especially fun.

I would compare the price with your alternatives. If you are choosing between this and another expensive evening attraction, Troy offers a clear combination of dinner and entertainment. If you can enjoy a cheaper boat trip or a simple local meal, this is a special-event purchase rather than an everyday activity.

Practical details that matter

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the ticket is available on your mobile device. You do not need a printed ticket unless the provider gives you a separate instruction.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The theatre is near public transportation, though the supplied details do not specify routes, stops, or walking distances.

The experience requires a minimum number of bookings. If the provider cancels because that minimum is not reached, you can receive another date or experience, or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted and are not refunded.

Book roughly three weeks ahead if your dates are fixed. The experience is booked, on average, 23 days in advance, which suggests that waiting until the last minute may limit your choices during busy periods.

Who should book Troy?

I would recommend Troy most strongly to families with children, especially those who enjoy music, acrobatics, fantasy stories, and chances to vote. The show is also a good fit if you want a planned evening that includes food and transport from one of the listed resort areas.

Adults can enjoy it too, particularly if they like Greek mythology and do not mind a family tone. The talented acrobats, singers, and aerial performers provide enough skill to interest older viewers.

I would be cautious if you have strict dietary needs, expect restaurant-level service, or want a carefully structured account of the Trojan War. Confirm allergy arrangements, check what drinks are included, and understand that the show is a variety production first.

Should you book the Troy Dinner-Show?

Book it if you want a cheerful, visual night out with Greek mythology, acrobatics, singing, dancing, and audience voting. For families, it offers a memorable change from the usual beach day or hotel dinner.

Skip it if you want an adult-only evening, a quiet meal, or a serious historical performance. The best way to judge the $42.33 price is to count the dinner, theatre production, and possible transfer together. If that package fits your plans, Troy can be a strong choice. Just set realistic expectations about the meal and choose the family-focused format knowingly.

FAQ

Where does the Troy Dinner-Show take place?

It takes place at the Alar Dinner-Show Theatre in the Heraklion area of Crete.

How long does the experience last?

The evening lasts approximately three hours.

What time do the doors open?

Doors open at 7 p.m. Dinner begins at 7:30 p.m., and the main Troy show starts at 8:30 p.m.

Is dinner included?

Yes, the experience includes dinner. The meal is described as a four-course dinner in the available information.

Is Troy suitable for children?

Yes. Troy is specifically presented as the family-friendly show.

Is Troy an adults-only production?

No. Troy is intended for families. The provider also offers another production called Spectacular, which is described as the adult-oriented show.

Can the audience interact with the performance?

Yes. You can scan a QR code with your phone to access an app for voting, games, and choices that can influence parts of the show.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, optional pickup is available if you select the transfer-included option and provide your pickup location.

Which areas are served by the transfer?

Transfers are available from Malia, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Sissi, Karteros, Heraklion, Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, Milatos, and Fodele.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not refunded.