The TOP shows to see in Paris
Beckett at the Bouffes Parisiens, Genet at the Athénée, Corneille at the Théâtre Hébertot, and Badinter at the Théâtre Antoine: the Parisian season is looking good. Ten shows have been selected for one simple reason: they'll run long enough for us to have time to see them.
OH LES BEAUX JOURS AT THE BOUFFES PARISIENS Buried up to her waist in a mound of earth, soon up to her neck, Winnie puts on makeup, chats, and greets the rising sun. Beckett created one of the most enduring images of 20th-century theater. Catherine Frot takes on this dizzying role, a pinnacle for any actress, under the direction of Marc Paquien.
ROBERT BADINTER, THE FURY FOR JUSTICE AT THE THÉÂTRE ANTOINE
From the Assize Court to major reforms, Robert Badinter has never ceased to question the law and its demands. Stéphane Guillon takes up the challenge of embodying this unwavering conscience, guided by an unyielding faith in human dignity. A tribute to the statesman, and proof that a single voice can change the course of history.
THÉÂTRE ANTOINE
From September 23, 2026 to January 3, 2027
THE LION KING AT THE THÉÂTRE MOGADOR
Simba is born before the eyes of the animal kingdom, loses everything through Scar's betrayal, grows up far from his family, and then returns to confront his past. Sixth Parisian season for a show that has become a must-see, featuring the songs of Elton John and Tim Rice. A family adventure that's as much a fairy tale as a grand music hall production.
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THÉÂTRE MOGADOR
From September 25 to December 30 2026[/compact]
THE MAID AT THE ATHÉNÉE LOUIS-JOUVET THEATRE
Claire and Solange, two sisters in Madame's service, tirelessly reenact the murder of their mistress. Jean Genet wrote here, in 1947, a classic of modern theatre where social domination is settled through role-playing. Carme Portaceli directs the Comédie-Française troupe and draws from it a very contemporary, everyday violence.
ATHÉNÉE THÉÂTRE LOUIS-JOUVET
From September 17 to October 25, 2026
ANTIGONE AT THE THÉÂTRE DES MATHURINS
Déborah Moreau performs Jean Anouilh's text alone on stage, directed by Andréa Bescond, who also directed Les Chatouilles. Humor, music, and raw energy: this Antigone stands up against Creon and a patriarchal power she refuses to submit to. More than a revisited classic, it's a text brought back to life.
THÉÂTRE DES MATHURINS
From September 23 to November 25, 2026
THE GREAT LAPLAND COMEDY AT THE THÉÂTRE DE LA RENAISSANCE
Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, the duo behind Le Prénom, adapt a comedy from the North. A family sets off in search of the perfect change of scenery under the Northern Lights and discovers that it's not so easy to escape oneself. Biting cold, cramped quarters, old grudges: the dream vacation turns into a settling of scores.
THÉÂTRE DE LA RENAISSANCE
From September 18, 2026 to January 10, 2027
COAL IN THE VEINS AT THE THÉÂTRE SAINT-GEORGES
1958, Nœux-les-Mines, in the heart of the Nord mining basin. Sosthène, a former miner, uses his silicosis pension to buy a black and white television, with only one idea in mind: to watch the World Cup in Sweden and cheer on Raymond Kopa, the local hero. A village chronicle where the world suddenly bursts in.
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Saint-Georges Theatre
From September 15 to December 20 2026[/compact]
LE CID GOES WILD AT THE THÉÂTRE HÉBERTOT The Count slaps Don Diègue, too old to fight, who entrusts his sword to his son: Rodrigue must kill the father of the woman he loves. Caroline Vigneaux takes Corneille's dilemma seriously and dusts it off with humor and rhythm. The alexandrines hold their own, and the solemnity of the 17th century takes a welcome blow.
EIGHT KINGS (OUR PRESIDENTS) AT LA PÉPINIÈRE THÉÂTRE
Five episodes, a dreamlike and zany comedy, to retrace the upheavals and political stakes of our last presidents. The Life and Death of Jacques Chirac opens the show on an era when politics was still assertive and popular, while Generation Mitterrand lays the groundwork for our own. We laugh nervously, and that's intentional.
LA PÉPINIÈRE THÉÂTRE
From September 13, 2026 to April 11, 2027
THE 7 LIVES OF YOUNESS HANIFI AT THE THÉÂTRE DU GYMNASE MARIE BELL
Discovered on Radio Nova, having passed through the Jamel Comedy Club, Youness Hanifi has established himself as one of the rising stars of French stand-up. He transforms everyday annoyances into comedy, with a keen sense of observation and boundless energy. A one-man show where everyone will find themselves reflected.
THÉÂTRE DU GYMNASE MARIE BELL
From September 10, 2026 to January 16, 2027
