Théâtre de la Gaîté Montparnasse

  • 26 rue de la Gaîté, 75014 Paris
  • Capacity: 400 seats
  • Gaîté     
  • Edgar Quinet     

ABOUT

Théâtre de la Gaîté Montparnasse


The concept of ‘Café-concerts’ were extremely popular in Paris in the second half of the 19th century. People used to go along to watch a show – typically mime, dance or cabaret – whilst eating, drinking and, inevitably, being rowdy. This was how the Théâtre de la Gaîté-Montparnasse started when it opened its doors in 1868.

 

Later on, however, the 1930s represent a bleak period in the venue’s history, due to the decline in popularity of café-concert culture. The theatre’s repertoire became more and more vulgar, with the direction desperately offering increasingly sultry shows to try to attract spectators, before eventually giving up. The Second World War, however, saw various troops of singers taking to the stage, who brought the theatre a newfound popularity. In 1945, an avant-garde theatre company rented the venue, bringing with them various sketches, musical shows, parodies and poetry recitals. Among performers was a young Juliette Gréco, who made her debut on the stage of the Théâtre de la Gaîté-Montparnasse, in a show named 'Victor ou les enfants au pouvoir'.

 

Facing a more serious threat of demolition in 1988, various influential names in the performance industry rallied round to save the theatre, and it’s been in continuous operation ever since. Listed as a historical monument since 1984, the Théâtre de la Gaïté Montparnasse is a true success story, showing the value in never giving up!

 

Fast facts

Capacity: 400

Handicap Accessible? Yes, please contact us to ensure proper seating in accessible areas

Air conditioning? Yes

LOCATION

26 rue de la Gaîté, 75014 Paris

Gaîté     , Edgar Quinet     , Montparnasse          

Past shows at this venue

Comedy

Theatre

Molière in Spite of Myself

If you don’t know the extraordinary significance of a specific chair - today displayed at the Comédie Française - to the story of legendary French playwright and actor Molière, your curiosity will soon be satisfied.
until 9/2/17
from 29 €

Comedy

Addition

Don't they say you should never let money get between friends? 'Addition' serves as the perfect, hilarious example of what can happen if you do...
until 10/27/16
from 29 €

Musical

Duel, Battle of the Ballads

Feast both your eyes and ears on this magnificently original work, as this melodic duo take you on an adventure through music!
until 10/16/24
from 28 €

Musical

Expat Theatre Night: Duel, Battle of the Ballads

Each month, our English-speaking friends gather in Paris for drinks and a show. Check what's playing for Expat Theatre Night this month!
until 10/16/24
from 36 €

Musical

Vive la Vie

Evolutionary, remarkable, and emotional are the top three words to describe Vive la Vie. A musical combining song, dance, drama, and circus? Of course! circus and music make for a remarkable show.
until 4/29/20
from 20 €