Being Cyrano (Dans la peau de Cyrano) - Théâtre Le Ranelagh

Location

Théâtre Le Ranelagh
5 rue des Vignes, 75016 Paris
Capacity 300 seats

Duration

1 h 20 min

No intermission

Details

One-man-show

For all audiences

In French

Highlights: Being Cyrano (Dans la peau de Cyrano)

A look behind the curtains, into the life of one French theatrical hero… Being Cyrano (Dans la peau de Cyrano) storms the stage of the Théâtre Le Ranelagh for a behind-the-scenes insight into the story of Cyrano, the beloved protagonist of Edmond Rostand’s classic Cyrano de Bergerac. Colin starts a new school - a difficult period for any adolescent. In the throes of despair and despondency, he finds refuge in the form of his mentor, with whom he embarks on a journey of theatrical discovery and imagination. His first stop? One particular poet with a big nose and a proud sword, from which this show takes its name…! Slip into Cyrano’s shoes along with Colin, our unlikely hero.

Story: Being Cyrano (Dans la peau de Cyrano)

One boy and his passion face the difficult task of coming-of-age…young Colin, often ostracised by his peers, finds comfort in his newfound admiration for the theatrical arts. In a flash of inspiration, Colin discovers the character of Cyrano de Bergerac - a character who is not perfect, but a hero nonetheless, and with whom Colin shares many similarities, from his sense of solitude to his incapacity to express his true feelings to those he loves. Under the guidance of his theatre teacher, Colin begins to completely immerse himself in the character of Cyrano… will this duo of underdogs finally learn to accept themselves for who they are?

Being Cyrano (Dans la peau de Cyrano) is a performance gently nuanced with elements of both comedy and poetry. One incredible actor occupies the stage to embody seven characters for a mesmerising portrayal of how the legendary Cyrano de Bergerac came to be. The original Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rothstand was first performed in 1897, and has inspired numerous subsequent works, notably the play and feature film Edmond by Alexis Michalik. This contemporary theatre piece has been performed over 600 times, and now lands at Paris’ Le Ranelagh Theatre for a stellar series of shows. Discover theatre new and old for yourself!

Reviews

Joyful youth, a comedy of hope.

"We laugh a lot, and are also moved by this chronicle of youth, a comedy full of hope from which we emerge rejuvenated." - Translated from the French review

Le Parisien

A touching story...

"A sensitive story and excellent acting in this virtuoso alternation of roles." - Translated from the French review

Télérama TTT

A litte gem

A man of theatre, what talent, he definitely brings you on a journey, so believable! He is observant and talented, a noble backstory and comforting vision. I first went with a friend and I returned with my two children ages 11 and 20.

PierJak

Théâtre Le Ranelagh

5 rue des Vignes, 75016 Paris

History and Fun Facts about the Théâtre Le Ranelagh

Step into the grand auditorium of the Théâtre Le Ranelagh, and prepare to be wowed by the ornate carved oak panelling adorning the orchestra and balconies, as well as the intricately decorated ceiling. Looking around you, it’s not hard to believe that this building is listed as one of Paris’ 'historical monuments'…

The Théâtre Le Ranelagh is tucked away in the heart of Paris’ 16th arrondissement, a few paces away from the Eiffel Tower on one side, and the bois de Boulogne on the other. It is built on the site of the old Château de Boulainvilliers, the estate was at the time right outside the city and covered 8 hectares (almost 12 football fields!). The theatre itself is rich in history and over 120 years old, after being converted to replace the château's music room by the landowner of the time into his own private venue where he could invite all the best-known actors and musicians in Paris to play there for him and his friends. After his death, the entire estate was destroyed to make way for the expanding city of Paris. All, that is, except for the theatre which was miraculously saved, and to this day still stands in its original spot! Don't be fooled by the unassuming exterior, once inside the Théâtre Le Ranelagh you can feast your eyes on its original decor of plush red velvet seating and carved oak panelling throughout.

The theatre is designed in the French style, meaning all of the seats are directly facing the stage and giving the auditorium a rectangular shape. The venue also features a small bar in its foyer complete with a fireplace and enough seating for up to 80 people, perfect for a drink before the performance.

Not just a theatre…

For a time in the early 1900s, the theatre was used as a cinema, which was incredibly popular. The director of the world-famous film Les enfants du paradis loved the theatre, and often programmed the film to be screened there. The cinema tradition still exists at Le Ranelagh, and films are still screened there from time to time! In addition to film screenings and a show programme rich with plays by classic French playwrights, the Théâtre Le Ranelagh holds puppet shows for younger audiences and other community events.

Fast facts
Capacity: 300
Handicap Accessible: Yes, please contact us to ensure proper seating in accessible areas
Air conditioning: No
Heating: Yes

FAQ

How do I get to Théâtre Le Ranelagh in the 16th arrondissement of Paris?

Théâtre Le Ranelagh is accessible by:
Metro lines: Théâtre Le Ranelagh can be reached by Metro lines 6 and 9, which run to Metro stations Passy and La Muette.
RER subway lines: Théâtre Le Ranelagh is accessible by taking the RER C to either Gare de Boulainvilliers or Avenue du Président Kennedy Maison de Radio France.
Bus lines: Théâtre Le Ranelagh is accessible by the bus lines 22, 32, 52, 70, and N53, which run stations Les Vignes - Boulainvilliers and Passy - Boulainvilliers.
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 Théâtre Le Ranelagh?

We invite you to arrive 20 minutes before the beginning of Being Cyrano and to present your voucher at the front desk. Théâtre Le Ranelagh’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.

Can I take photos during the performance of Being Cyrano (Dans la peau de Cyrano)?

In order not to disturb the artists and for the comfort of other spectators, it is forbidden to take pictures during Being Cyrano. However, you can take photos of the Théâtre Le Ranelagh before and after the performance, as a souvenir of your gorgeous evening at the theatre!

How long does the show last?

Being Cyrano lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes with no intermission.

Is Being Cyrano (Dans la peau de Cyrano) better suited to an international audience or French speakers?

Being Cyrano is more suited to a French-speaking audience because it is performed exclusively in French. If you feel like you have the level of French to follow along—discover French theatre through this lovely piece!

Is tipping customary?

Tips are not mandatory in Parisian theatres. However, ushers will usually expect a small tip of between €2 and €5, which you can give them when they’ve shown you to your seat. Fun fact: the French word for “tip” is “pourboire”, which literally translates to “to have a drink”.