For the first time, a modern comedy theatre under the Satire theatre name appeared in the building of the Eliseev merchants store in 1929. In the1930s, it was threatened with closure, but Nikolai Pavlovich Akimov headed and preserved the theatre.

A troupe of famous and talented actors came with him including Vladimir Uskov, Elena Junger, Sergey Filippov, Irina Zarubina, Alexander Beniaminov, who, together with the great artistic director, glorified the theatre.

A complicated political situation and the war affected the work: Akimov was suspended from the post of director for seven years. The artistic director was able to resume his work only in 1956. Irony, vivid acting images, courage and free choice of plays — all this distinguishes the Akimov Theatre from others today. Subsequent directors continue the traditions of Akimov's performances and bring new ways for viewers to immerse themselves in the world of thinking about a person, his fate and satire.