A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

a funny thing happened on the way to the forum theatre in paris lido2paris lido de paris broadway musical in paris
Lido2Paris

Show ended

English surtitled in French (See the page)

Location

Lido2Paris
116 avenue des Champs-Élysées - 75008 Paris
Capacity 1038 seats

Duration

2 h 30 min

With intermission


Details

Musical / Broadway Show

For all audiences

In English surtitled in French


Highlights: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Riddle me this – how can you see a world-famous Broadway musical, complete with characteristic Broadway staging and spectacle, without ever leaving Paris? Give up…? Luckily for you, we have the answer!
Drop by the Lido2Paris on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées to see a Stephen Sondheim gem. Behold, his most famous musical ever to be performed in Paris: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum!

 

It’s only by experiencing this show in its authentic, original version that you will be able to fully appreciate this masterpiece of humour, performed within the fabled theatre of Lido2Paris, which dons a completely new look for this special occasion.

A light and funny farce which whimsically parodies Roman comedies, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum also incorporates elements of vaudeville and comedy. Sondheim’s artful lyricism is exemplified in his original songs, in which delightful wordplay abounds – check out “Comedy Tonight” and “Lovely” for a sense of his characteristic style!

 

The original production of the play won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical, since its debut in New York, 1962. Since then, it has been performed many times, featuring a slew of famous actors, including Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, and Phil Silvers as Pseudolus. You don’t have to fly to New York to get a taste of its unparalleled theatre scene – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum arrives on Paris’ doorstep to split your sides and blow you away! What a way to end the year…

Story: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Never seen Gypsy, Anyone Can Whistle/, A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, or Sweeney Todd? You’re in luck – you have the chance to discover an excellent musical by one acclaimed composer and lyricist, considered one of the greatest American creators of musicals, and songwriter for the renowned musical Westside Story.
Better yet – you don't have to travel to New York to do so… presenting Stephen Sondheim’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, which arrives in Paris later this year!

 

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is playing in Paris, on the exquisite Champs-Élysées no less. Good humour and head-noddingly catchy songs are guaranteed as a host of colourful characters converge on the titular forum – and what a cast! You will of course discover Pseudolus (the faker), our hero, Senex (the old man), Miles Gloriosus (the boastful soldier), Domina (the mistress), Gymnasia (the athlete), Tintinabula (the fool), Panacea (whose name literally means ‘cure all’), Geminae (the twins), and Erronius (the vagabond). A Roman-inspired piece to make you weep with laughter!

 

Of course, you needn’t bring your French or Latin dictionary to this performance at the Lido2Paris – bring only your handkerchiefs and good humour, and prepare to follow the hilarious adventures of a slave, Pseudolus, who tries to win his freedom by helping his young master to seduce a courtesan in the middle of ancient Rome. Laughs and merriment are guaranteed!

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Lido2Paris

116 avenue des Champs-Élysées - 75008 Paris

Le Lido2Paris


With its pristine location directly on the most famous street in Paris, the Lido lights up the Champs-Élysées with a spectacular show of a new type of shows for this venue… Musicals! In the 1920s, the venue was located just down the avenue from its current location and served as both a bathhouse and an entertainment venue for the working class. After World War II, it was purchased by two Italian-born brothers, Joseph and Louis Clerico, who opened the famous Lido cabaret in 1946. Inspired by Venetian luxury, the brothers chose to decorate the establishment with all the splendor of La Serenissima, and named it after one of its most famous beaches. Having quickly built a reputation as the Parisian nightlife Mecca, where one went both to see and to be seen, the Lido attracted talent from around the world, such as the famous Irish dancer Margaret Kelly and her troupe, the Bluebell Girls. With their extravagant costumes, the professional dancers quickly became an attraction in and of themselves. With a new wave of direction, the Lido cabaret with its glittery, glamorous Bluebell Girls ceased to exist in September 2022 and officially changed its name to Lido2Paris as well as announced their new focus on musicals. Although this may seem like nothing new, it is with absolute excitement that we can announce that the musicals Lido2Paris will be putting on will be musicals you only thought you would be able to see in your dreams! From December 2022 onwards, Lido2Paris will start their journey in producing high quality, internationally famous musicals with some of the greatest theatre performers and actors hailing from all corners of the world! The first of these is Cabaret, based on the play by John Van Druten and the book by Christopher Isherwood. This 1000-seat theatre still has an extraordinary machinery and a stage area equipped with the latest technology, making it a unique place that will always make the audience dream… Lido2Paris is officially bringing Broadway theatre to Paris!

 

Fast Facts
Capacity: 1038
Handicap Accessible: Yes - Please contact us to guarantee placement in accessible areas.
Air conditioning: Yes
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (free service)

FAQ

How do I get to Lido2Paris in the 8th arrondissement of Paris?

The Lido2Paris is accessible by:
Metro line: The theatre is accessible by the Metro line 1, which runs until the following Metro station: George V.
RER subway line:The theatre is accessible by taking the RER A to the station Charles de Gaulle – Étoile.
Bus line: The theatre is accessible by the bus line 73, which runs until the following station: George V.

In case of difficulty, our hotline can be reached during our business hours. Please see the footer of this page for our contact details.

What do I do when I get to Lido2Paris?

We ask that you arrive one hour before the beginning of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and present your voucher at the front desk. Lido2Paris’ English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.

How long does A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Lido2Paris last?

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes, with intermission.

Is a programme included with my ticket?

Tickets for the musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, at Lido2Paris do not include a programme. However, they are available for purchase.

Is the musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, for an international audience or French speakers?

Both! A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is performed in English with French subtitles.

Can I take photos during A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum?

It is strictly forbidden to take pictures, film, or record A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

Is there a coat check at Lido2Paris?

For the comfort and security of all in attendance, the Lido2Paris asks all their guests to leave their coats and large bags in the cloakroom, free of charge.

Does the Lido2Paris have a specific dress code?

Smart-casual attire is appreciated. A tie, suit, or evening gown is also welcome if you wish. Sportswear and sneakers, as well as shorts and flip-flops, are not permitted.

Can you dine during A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum?

No, Lido2Paris is no longer a cabaret with dinner served at your table. Its new orientation is as a traditional theatre with a little extra glitz and glam. It does not offer dinner. The programming is now oriented towards high quality musicals in their original version.

Can I bring children to the Lido2Paris?

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is for all audiences.

What should I do if I’m late?

Latecomers to the musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, will be admitted after the first scene, but Lido2Paris does not guarantee that they will be seated in the seats listed on their tickets.

What is the difference between Lido2Paris and Lido de Paris, the old venue?

Cabaret in Paris has lost one of its most famous representatives: the Lido. The Lido was a cabaret that offered dinner shows with rhinestones and sequins. It now has a new name - Lido2Paris - and a new management. Its artistic orientation has changed. Since December 2022, its programmes feature musical comedies sung in their original version. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is one of them, and one of high quality.

How do I know if my seats are next to each other?

Tickets of the same category that are booked during the same purchase session, in the same booking order on our website are always assigned side by side. To be sure of this, make sure all of your tickets are in the same category and are included in your shopping cart at the time of purchase.

Where can I find the seating plan for the theatre?

You can find the seating plan in the theatre’s "photo" section on this page.