- February 26, 2023
- Parisian theatre
- Niamh Daly, Clara Palas
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Must-see shows in Paris in 2023
The sun rises on another year in the City of Lights, and the theatrical season is in full swing. With so much choice, it’s hard to decide where to start. Luckily, we’re here to help! From plays and stand-up comedy to operas and cabaret, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for our pick of the best shows to catch this 2023.
PLAYS TO SEE IN PARIS IN 2023
With a host of varied plays set to take place all over Paris in 2023, it might be difficult to choose!
PLAYS AT THÉÂTRE LE RANELAGH
If you’re a fan of the classics, then the shows at Théâtre le Ranelagh are for you! A historical hub of theatrical excellence, age-old tradition is continued into the new year with two comedies from Molière set to grace the stage.
- The School for Wives (Until March 19th, 2023)
- The Imaginary Invalid (Until April 9th, 2023)
PLAYS AT OPÉRA COMIQUE
Among a host of other famed operas and musicals on the Opéra Comique’s programme for 2023 is the definitive opéra-ballet, Le Bourgeois gentilhomme- an intoxicating cocktail of music, dance, and social satire co-created by Molière.
- Le Bourgeois gentilhomme (Until March 26th, 2023)
- Carmen at the Opéra Comique (Until May 4th, 2023)
- Breaking the Waves (Until May 31st, 2023)
PLAYS AT THE ROYAL OPERA OF VERSAILLES
The distinctive humor of Molière can be found beyond the périphique this 2023, as later in the year the Royal Opera of Versailles will be playing host to yet another one of his timeless comedies.
- Dom Juan (Until June 30th, 2023 in Versailles)
OPERAS TO SEE IN 2023
With an ample choice for operas this year, we’ve done the work and thrown together a list of the best operas to see in 2023 in Paris!
OPERAS AT PALAIS GARNIER IN PARIS
As part of their 2023 season, Paris’s ‘temple of the arts’, the Palais Garnier, will present Handel’s operatic masterpiece, Ariodante, together with the eerie gothic that is Peter Grimes by Benjamin Britten.
- Peter Grimes (Until February 24th, 2023)
- Ariodante (Until May 20th, 2023)
OPERAS AT THE OPÉRA BASTILLE
At the Palais Garnier’s sister venue, the Opéra Bastille, you can expect to find a dazzling array of performances, from classics by Bizet to operatic reimaginings of Shakespeare’s infamous tragedy.
- Carmen (Until Feburary 25th, 2023)
- Lucia di Lammermoor (Until March 10th, 2023)
- Hamlet (Until April 9th, 2023)
- Nixon in China (Until April 16th, 2023)
OPERAS AT THE ROYAL OPERA OF VERSAILLES
In a venue as beautiful as it is historic, there are treasures to be found at the Royal Opera of Versailles. Discover Virgil’s epic poem brought to life with great tenderness and passion in Dido and Aeneas, or experience the exhilarating drama and romance of the thrilling Roman political sphere in L’Incoronazione di Poppea.
- Armide (Until May 14th, 2023 in Versaillles)
- Dido and Aeneas (Until June 30th, 2023 in Versailles)
- L’Incoronazione di Poppea (Until June 30th, 2023 in Versailles)
- La Caravane du Caire (Until June 30th, 2023 in Versailles)
OPERAS AT THÉÂTRE DES CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES
Choose from a selection of concert operas and oratorios this year at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, from Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman to works from Mozart, prepare for a breathtaking 2023 season. Altervatively, experience Puccini’s masterpiece La Bohème, a four-act romance which has been breaking hearts since its premiere in 1896. Its new production will be no exception!
- La Bohème (Until June 24th, 2023)
- Concert Operas and Oratorios at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (Until July 4th, 2023)
OPERAS AT THE OPÉRA COMIQUE IN PARIS
Besides classics by Molière, the Opéra Comique is bringing you a roster of classic and contemporary operas for 2023. Things take a darker turn with Breaking The Waves, based on the Lars von Trier film of the same name, and the Persian-set opéra comique Zémire et Azor imagines an eastern twist on the classic story of Beauty and The Beast.
- Breaking The Waves (Until May 31st, 2023)
- The Flooding (Until March 5th, 2023)
- Zémire et Azor (Until July 1st, 2023)
BALLET AND DANCE TO SEE IN 2023
2023 is set to be a very busy year for all ballet-lovers and those who can't miss a dance show in Paris!
BALLETS AT PALAIS GARNIER IN PARIS
Along with her sister location, the Opéra Bastille, the Opéra Nationale de Paris: Palais Garnier is widely considered to be the city-wide hub for the very best ballet shows. Be blown away by avant-garde dance performed in a hyperrealist setting by the celebrated Belgian dance troupe Peeping Tom, or marvel at the internationally-recognized neoclassical masterpiece L’Histoire de Manon.
- Peeping Tom (Until June 11th, 2023)
- L’Histoire de Manon (Until July 15th, 2023)
BALLETS AT OPÉRA BASTILLE IN PARIS
At Palais Garnier’s sister location, enjoy a showstopping tribute to the celebrated choreographer Maurice Béjart, or be amazed by a dreamlike performance in Signes, an enchanting experience from the minds of visual poet Carolyn Carlson and artist Olivier Debré.
- Maurice Béjart (Until May 28th, 2023)
- Signes (Until July 16th, 2023)
CABARETS TO SEE IN 2023
Looking for a little glitz and glamor on your night out in Paris? Let one of Paris' many cabarets to take your breath away!
PARADIS LATIN CABARET IN PARIS
Situated in Paris’ bustling Latin Quarter, don’t miss the opportunity to step into a world of jaw-dropping festivity at the Paradis Latin Cabaret Show! The most Parisian of cabarets, a sensational night of mind-boggling escapades, sidesplitting humor, and an extra-large dose of sensuality …ooh la la! If you’re looking for a show for the little ones, don’t fret - 2023 will also see the opening of an all-new family-friendly show. Bring your kids along to My First Cabaret for an extraordinary variety show, complete with hilarious characters, dazzling tricks, and multi-talented performers!
- Paradis Latin Cabaret Show (Throughout 2023)
- My First Cabaret at Paradis Latin (Throughout 2023)
CRAZY HORSE CABARET IN PARIS
For a glamorous evening with captivating visuals and daring acts, look no further than the world-famous Crazy Horse Cabaret, whose seductive dancers inspired a Beyoncé music video!
- Crazy Horse Cabaret Show (Throughout 2023)
CABARET AT LA NOUVELLE SEINE IN PARIS
For a more comical take on cabaret, try hit show Cabaret Burlesque, which is returning to La Nouvelle Seine for yet another year.
- Cabaret Burlesque (Throughout 2023)
MUSICALS TO SEE IN 2023
Classic musicals both modern and timeless fill the Paris theatre scene this year!
MUSICALS AT LIDO2PARIS
Speaking of cabaret, have you heard of the Kit Kat Klub? This 1920s cabaret house is traveling through time to the Parisian stage this winter, along with a certain Sally Bowles…you guessed it- beloved musical Cabaret has landed at Lido2Paris, in the form of a decidedly modern revamp!
- Cabaret (Until February 3rd, 2023)
MUSICALS AT THÉÂTRE MOGADOR
It’s a story we all know and love – don’t miss The Lion King for an amazingly unique twist on a family classic at Théâtre Mogador. After a sell-out first run in 2010, this French-language production is back to enchant audiences yet again. Don’t speak French? Don’t fret! Theatre in Paris provides you with surtitles displaying the original English lyrics, meaning you can still sing along to all your favorite Disney tunes.
- The Lion King (Throughout 2023)
CONCERTS TO SEE IN 2023
From concert halls and churches to museums and monuments, you can find stunning concerts in almost any venue in Paris.
CONCERTS AT PHILHARMONIE DE PARIS
Throughout 2023, you can enjoy a series of vocal and piano recitals that pay tribute to classical music greats from the Baroque period to the present day. Household names like Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, joined by lesser-known masters like Grieg, Scriabin and Saariaho and Ligeti are all waiting for you at the glittering Philharmonie de Paris. If you’re a fan of orchestral music, we also recommend getting tickets for a series of symphonic concerts performed by the finest symphony orchestras around the world.
- Symphonic Concerts at the Philharmonie de Paris (Until June 28th, 2023)
- Piano Recitals at the Philharmonie de Paris (Throughout 2023)
CONCERTS AT PARISIAN THEATRES
The Philharmonie de Paris isn’t the only place you can listen to world-renowned orchestras - the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées also has a packed programme of piano, vocal and orchestral performances for you to discover throughout the year.
- Guest Orchestras at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (Throughout 2023)
Check out the variety of concerts playing at the Philharmonie de Paris in 2023!
CONCERTS AT THE EIFFEL TOWER
How about a concert in a non-traditional concert venue? You might be surprised to hear that some of the most famous monuments in Paris also host unforgettable classical concerts. Gaze out over panoramic views from the Eiffel Tower, all while you enjoy pieces by your favorite classical composers.
- Exceptional Concerts at the Eiffel Tower (Throughout 2023)
- Hélios Orchestra at Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church (Throughout 2023)
- La Madeleine Church concert series (Throughout 2023)
- Jacquemart-André Museum concert series (Throughout 2023)
CONCERTS AT A CHURCH IN PARIS
If you want to stray further from the beaten track, why not discover some of Paris’s many churches? From the grandiose pillars of La Madeleine to the ornate ceiling of the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, each church has its own unique architectural history. Sit back and let the sounds wash over you as your eyes take in your opulent surroundings.
CONCERTS AT A MUSEUM IN PARIS
Last but not least, we have one last unorthodox concert venue for you: a 19th century mansion converted into an art gallery. Musée Jacquemart-André was once the home of a couple of French aristocrats, and now hosts their extensive art collection and a rolling programme of exhibitions and classical music concerts. From Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven to Chopin, Schubert and Brahms, you won’t want to miss these concerts playing through January and February.
JAZZ TO SEE IN PARIS IN 2023
2023 will see a fresh roster of jazz performers taking to the stages... don’t miss out on jazz nights this year in Paris.
SUNSET SUNSIDE JAZZ CLUB
- Sunset Sunside Jazz Club (Throughout 2023)
Join in on a jazz night at Sunset Sunside!
Le Baiser Salé Jazz Club
- Baiser Salé Jazz Night (Throughout 2023)
STAND-UP COMEDY TO SEE IN 2023
If you’re in need of a good laugh, why not get tickets for a night of stand-up comedy?
STAND-UP COMEDY AT LA SCALA IN PARIS
As self-deprecating as she is cynical, Laura Domenge’s sense of humor is not for the faint-hearted! She’ll leave you weeping with embarrassment and laughter at her weekly stand-up show at La Scala throughout this year.
- A Night with Laure Domenge at La Scala (Until April 25th, 2023)
STAND-UP AT THÉÂTRE DES NOUVEAUTÉS
Bringing you some hilarious Paris-inspired humor, this one-man wonder seeks to turn every Emily in Paris cliché on its head! With an 100% English crash-course on How to Become a Parisian in one Hour, Olivier Giraud will have you roaring with laughter at the real French lifestyle.