Ahh Paris, possibly the most romantic place to spend the holidays. But aside from exploring museums and visiting the sights or delighting in fine French cuisine, how to best continue the Parisian holiday celebrations into the evening? Head out to see a show in one of the hundreds of Parisian playhouses of course!
Worried you won’t understand a word of French theatre? That’s where Theatre in Paris (TIP) comes in. This unique service partners with special, historic theatres all over the city of Paris to ensure all shows are accessible to English speakers. Thanks to their innovative subtitles, French theatre productions are subtitled in English just like at the movies. Some shows are even entirely in English or without any dialogue at all! As in New York or London, there’s no better way to celebrate the holidays in Paris than by seeing a show, and with Theatre in Paris there are shows of every variety, that you can perfectly understand even if you don’t speak French. From comedies and musicals, to dramas and lighthearted shows for a younger crowd, there is a Parisian theatre night this holiday season no matter your taste and we’ve picked the best featured below. Insider tip: for an exclusively Parisian evening, many theatres have special performance showing December 31st to ring in the New Year in style!
What’s more… Theatre in Paris is offering Je T’Aime Me Neither readers an exclusive discount! Enter code JETAIMEMENEITHER when you checkout online to receive 15% off on standard show prices. The discount code applies to all shows on the Theatre in Paris website, except How to Become Parisian in One Hour. Wishing everyone who will be here a happy, and entertaining, time in over the holidays in Paris!
Comedy: Hello My Name Is
A cult-classic returns to the Théâtre Edouard VII
They say you should never reveal a baby’s name before it’s born, and boy should Vincent have followed this advice! When innocently asked if he chosen a name for his unborn son at a family dinner party, his response sends the group plunging into chaos! The original play has since been transformed into an international hit film, but this year returns to its home stage in the heart of Paris’ Opéra district. A can’t miss comedy with a star-studded cast, all playing at the legendary home of Parisian comedy, the Théâtre Edouard VII.
In French with English subtitles / Playing through January 2019, Tickets
Cabaret: Speakeasy
Prohibition era cabaret at the Palais des Glaces
This is not the circus you remember from childhood! Speakeasy is a truly original performance, featuring circus completely revisited through the prism of 1930s New York City prohibition bar. This show redefines the acrobatic arts with its astounding choreography and a surprising urban twist. Audiences are transported back to a time when gangsters and nightlife ruled the streets. Accompanied by a modern soundtrack, you’re in for an amazing prohibition cocktail of music and motion, sure to be the hit Parisian show of the 2018 holiday season!
No dialogue / Playing November 2018 through January 2019, Tickets
Classic: Cyrano de Bergerac
One of the most famous love triangles at the historic Théâtre Ranelagh
The most famous love triangle in history: Cyrano de Bergerac, Christian, and Roxane. This internationally renowned French play has been adapted many times, even on the big screen with comedians like Steve Martin playing Cyrano! The prowess and dedication of this particular troupe, however, is inimitable, and will leave you hopelessly devoted to the characters, doubled over with laughter, and possibly in tears. This unique production of the classic French play features original violin music throughout, all in a playhouse once part of an old French chateau!
In French with English subtitles / Playing through January 2019, Tickets
Musical: Chicago
A Broadway classic playing at the legendary Théâtre Mogador
This iconic Broadway classic will take you on a scandalously chic musical journey in one of Paris’ most iconic venues, famous for its Broadway-style musical productions. With jazzy musical numbers and choreography reminiscent of Paris’ music halls, Chicago perfectly combines the Parisian cabaret and prohibition nightlife atmospheres, an irresistibly Parisian night out. Known for its extravagant Broadway-style numbers, an evening at the legendary Théâtre Mogador makes for a perfect holiday date night or family event in Paris.
In French with English subtitles / Playing through June 2019, Tickets
Drama: Legend of a Life
A psychological journey of discovery at the Théâtre Montparnasse
A journey to Vienna at the dawn of the roaring 1920s, this contemporary play is a returning favorite among Parisian theatre-goers. Austrian playwright Stefan Zweig delights with a story of family discoveries and self-acceptance, as young Friedrich tries to live up to his father’s reputation as a literary genius and unearths some unexpected secrets along the way. Perfect for theatre buffs or culture seekers, Legend of a Life features Natalie Dessay, star opera singer turned theatrical legend. Discover the legend for yourself, in a playhouse designed by the very same architect responsible part of the Statue of Liberty itself!
In French with English subtitles / Playing through January 2019, Tickets
Family: Oh Oh Circus Duo
The comical pair redefining clowns at the contemporary Théâtre le 13eme Art
What do you get when you combine two dynamic clowns, gravity-defying acrobatics, and miming à la française, all to an upbeat tune? Oh Oh features two ever-contrasting characters in an intimate circus like you’ve never seen before! After touring the globe, this prize-winning performance is returning to a contemporary Parisian theatre this holiday season.
No dialogue / Playing December 2018 through January 2019, Tickets
No matter your taste, a night at the theatre is a perfect way to get a dose of French culture this holiday season. Don’t forget to enter code JETAIMEMENEITHER when you checkout online to receive 15% off on all standard show prices with Theatre in Paris! (except How to Become Parisian in One Hour).
