Victor Hugo's Ruy Blas - Théâtre Le Ranelagh

Location

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

Duration

2 hours

Details

English Subtitles and Programme included

French with English subtitles

Classic

Highlights: Victor Hugo's Ruy Blas

An undeniable pairing? Paris, theatre, and Victor Hugo. After the literary and theatrical success of Les Miserables and Notre-Dame de Paris, the celebrated French author again enthralls with Ruy Blas, commoner-in-disguise who dares to love Spanish royalty. Considered one of Hugo’s best works, we invite you to delve deeper into the complex world of Victor Hugo in a historic Parisian playhouse.

Story: Victor Hugo's Ruy Blas

Far from his beloved city of lights, Victor Hugo brings us to the year 1699 when Charles II ruled Spain with his wife, Queen Maria.

This adaptation takes a colorful twist on an ageless journey of unrequited love and unresolved rivalries. Set in a turn of the century Spanish royal court, a common poet finds himself tied up in a plot of vengence. Humiliated and dishonoured, the commoner-in-disguise is brought into ever-tightening circles with the woman he loves, the Queen Maria.

The heroic romantic finds himself further shackled into a story of political corruption and revenge, with an ascension into the royal spotlight ending as abruptly as it came about.

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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