Théâtre de la Ville
2 Place du Châtelet, 4th
M° Châtelet-Les Halles
Tel 01 42 74 22 77
The Théatre de la Ville is known for its contemporary dance productions, but also stages regular World Music, theatre and classical music concerts. Many of the theatre and World Music productions take place in the company’s second theatre, Les Abbesses (31 rue des Abbesses, 18th, M° Abbesses). Be sure to confirm the location when purchasing your tickets. Tickets €12-30.
Theatre des Champs-Elysées
15 Avenue Montaigne, 8th
M° Franklin-Roosevelt
Tel 01 49 52 50 50
This elegant theatre, built in 1913, is known for its star-packed seasonal program, with top opera, dance, orchestra, and vocal artists from around the world. A bit more expensive (no state funding), but worth every euro for its sumptuous decor and quality programming. Tickets €7-130.
La Comédie-Française
Salle Richelieu, 2 Rue de Richelieu, 1st
M° Palais-Royal
Tel 01 44 58 15 15
Founded in 1680, the Comédie Française is France’s oldest theater company. During the French Revolution the actors occupied the royal theatre of the Palais Royal, where the troupe took up official residence in 1799. The repertoire includes classics by Molière, Racine, Shakespeare and Victor Hugo along with contemporary pieces. Note: Some productions take place in the second location, the Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier (21 Rue du Vieux-Colombier, 6th, M° St-Sulpice). Tickets €4-40. Last-minute tickets for the main Salle Richelieu location are sold for €5.50 one hour before curtain.
Open-air Productions
There are regular Shakespeare plays performed (in French) from spring through fall at the Bois de Boulogne’s Théâtre de Verdure in the Jardin Shakespeare, with seating for 500 (Tel 01 40 19 95 33, tickets €10-€20), and open-air opera concerts, such as Mozart or Verdi, each June Opéra en Pleine Air in the Jardin du Luxembourg (Tel 01 56 33 70 10, tickets €40-€70).
Theatre in English
Odéon — Théâtre de l’Europe
Place de l’Odéon, 6th
M° Odéon
Tel 01 44 85 40 40
Once home to the Comédie-Française, the Odéon Theatre with its classic 18th-century architecture is located just outside the Jardins du Luxembourg on the Left Bank . In 1990 it was renamed the Théâtre de l’Europe, dedicated to working together with Europe’s top theatre troops, directors and playwrights. It was reopened in 2006 after several years of complete restoration works. The annual program features mostly modern and contemporary pieces, with at least one in English each season. Tickets €5-30.
Other theatres that often have at least one seasonal production in English include the Théâtre de Nesle (8, Rue de Nesle, 6th M° Odéon Tel 01 46 34 61 04), and the Sudden Theater near Montmartre (14 bis, Rue Sainte-Isaure, 18th M° Jules-Joffrin Tel 01 42 62 35 00). Check the Paris Voice for other listings in English.
Comedy Theatre
Catch the hottest stand-up comedians from around the world (in English) at the La Java (105 rue du Faubourg du Temple , 10th M° Goncourt or Belleville ). Tickets €15-€30. The production company Laughing & Music Matters (www.anythingmatters.com) appears here and at other venues around Paris . Check their website for the current schedule.
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