BEST PLAY. André Dussollier, Vanessa Paradis, Gérard Jugnot, Elie Semoun, Julie de Bona… discover the stars at the theater in comic plays, crisp novelties or comedies. Our selection of the must-see plays to see at the start of 2023 in Paris!
[Updated on January 4, 2023 at 5:12 p.m.] On display in Paris, the cream of the crop, the flower of artistic creation, the must in terms of entertainment. Among the must-see shows of the moment or to come (Le Jour du kiwi, Upside down, When the child appears…), we find renowned artists such as Gérard Jugnot and Arthur Jugnot, Vanessa Paradis and Samuel Benchetrit, Catherine Frot and Michel Fau, André Dussollier or Pascal Elbé and Marie Gillain.
Between new creation, revival or rehabilitation, the prestigious Parisian theaters (Théâtre de la Renaissance, Théâtre des Nouveaux, Théâtre Edouard VII) spoil us. From the cult play to the unforgettable invigorating comedy, from the ultra-rhythmic show to the delirious boulevard, it is impossible not to find something to suit you. To start the year 2023 with a smile, quickly discover our selection. Good show !
With more than 130 theaters and nearly 300 shows to see in Paris, cultural possibilities abound, especially at the time of the theatrical season. To help you make your choice, we have selected for you our favorites of the moment. Comedy, theater, musical show, discover below the unmissable plays to see in Paris:
This is one of the unmissable nuggets of this new theatrical year. Back on stage in 2023 after the triumph of Novecento (Molière 2015 for the actor in a public theater show), André Dussollier presents his brand new show: Upside down. Victor Hugo, Raymond Devos, Aragon, Charles Baudelaire, Sacha Guitry or Roland Dubillard, some of the greatest French men of letters are summoned on stage, in the cozy atmosphere of the Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens, for a real ode to poetry . Accompanied by touches of video and an original and original musical creation, this collection of magnificent texts invites you to hear the poetic itinerary of André Dussollier, an exceptional comedy with a career as rich in cinema as in theatre.
Did you like Fleur de Cactus (6 Molières nominations) in 2016? You will love When the Child Appears, at the Théâtre de la Michodière! On the boards, the iconic duo of French theater Catherine Frot and Michel Fau is making a comeback, around a comedy by André Roussin. The story immerses you after the Second World War, in the daily life of an Under-Secretary of State for the Family. This one has just obtained the closing of the brothels and the increase in the penalties for the offenses of abortion… but everything changes when he learns that his wife is expecting a child and that his son has impregnated his secretary. Already a success in 2022! Do not miss !
Want to relax your mind for this new year 2023? See you in the setting of the Edouard VII Theater with Le jour du kiwi! Unpublished comedy signed Laetitia Colombiani (director, actress and French writer to whom we owe the novel La Tresse, awarded with more than twenty literary prizes), this play transports you to meet Barnabé Leroux (Gérard Jugnot), a maniacal, obsessive and procedural pensioner who, since the death of his wife, leads a solitary life. Nothing is left to chance in his daily life. When one fine day, a yogurt disappears from his fridge, it’s total misunderstanding… and the start of a crazy adventure!
Under the leadership of the director Ladislas Chollat, find for the first time together on stage, Gérard Jugnot and his son Arthur Jugnot! A must.
Decidedly, Laurent Ruquier chained theatrical creations! After The Most Beautiful in All That (with Régis Laspalès, Pauline Lefèvre and Agustin Galiana) in 2019 and A Magical Couple (with Stéphane Plaza, Jeanfi Janssens and Valérie Mairesse at the Bouffes Parisiens) in 2022, the television host and author signs a new nugget of humor.
Conceived as the sequel to his successful play I prefer that we remain friends, this new opus features Michèle Bernier (who therefore takes over her role) and Olivier Sitruk. I Prefer We Stay Together retraces the vagaries of Claudine and Valentin, friends and roommates who have become heartbroken lovers. Faced with routine, the couple will have to overcome many obstacles to “stay together”.
Serge and Bernard, long-time friends, are two second-rate actors. They made their debut together 40 years ago, but they still remain in competition…so when they find themselves, at the same time, called for a casting, they are as surprised as they are happy. It’s the perfect opportunity to carve a piece of fat, to evoke their common memories, to tease each other. When the text of the audition arrives: everything changes! Between laughter and emotions, fall for this new creation by and with Michel Leeb at the Théâtre des Nouveaux! At his side on the boards (directed by Jean-Louis Benoit), the immense Francis Huster, recently on the bill of Transmission, by Bill C. Davis at the Hébertot Theater… an electric tandem therefore, for a hilarious piece!
At the Théâtre de la Madeleine in 2023, star comedian Elie Semoun shares the stage with one of the essential French actresses of the moment: Julie de Bona. After Le secret d’Elise, Le tueur du lac, Le Bazar de la Charité and Les Combattantes, she plays Pauline here, in a relationship with Antoine. Together for 15 years, the two go for the first time to a sumptuous Parisian palace to celebrate their wedding anniversary with dignity. And if Antoine has booked the royal suite (well beyond their modest means), it’s because he has great news to announce… which risks upsetting their peaceful existence! Signed Judith Elmaleh and Hadrien Raccah, this new creation is undeniably one of the great promises of the theater season.
Head to the Michel Theater with Sébastien Castro’s new creation, A Great Idea! After his first successful first attempt, J’ai envie de toi (at the Théâtre Fontaine then at the Théâtre de la Tour Eiffel), the author and actor is doing it again this season with this wacky and hilarious boulevard comedy.
Arnaud and Marion decide to move in together. Once the visit of the apartment is over, Arnaud has a slight doubt: has Marion fallen for the real estate agent? To get to the bottom of it, he has “a brilliant idea”… find out more at the Michel Theater! In addition to Sébastien Castro, we also find in the cast Agnès Boury, Laurence Porteil and José Paul (the last two co-signing the staging).
Irresistible duet at the Théâtre de la Renaissance with Sur la tête des enfants, by Salomé Lelouch. Marie Gillain and Pascal Elbé embody Julie and Alban, in love and superstitious. 9 years, 11 months and 15 days ago, they swore 10 years of loyalty, “on the heads of the children”… As the fateful date approaches, their relationship will experience situations as inextricable as they are tasty. After Fallait pas le dire and Changer l’eau des fleurs, Salomé Lelouch finds her way back to creation in this crisp new comedy, for which she also directs, four-handed with Ludivine de Chastenet. To have !
Did you like the novel (in 2009), then the film (with Audrey Tautou, in 2011)? Discover La Délicatesse, a masterpiece by David Foenkinos in its theatrical version in Paris! With Jean Franco (Molière 2020 actor in a supporting role) on stage, Sélène Assaf (alternating with Clara Joly) and Jérôme Schoof, immerse yourself in a sublime love story, that of Nathalie and François. The two love each other passionately and have their lives ahead of them. But François dies tragically and Nathalie withdraws, returns to a soulless routine and a sad crossing of the desert. His improbable meeting with Markus, a simple and delicate man, could change things… Discover the rest at the Théâtre de l’Œuvre!
After a triumph on tour, Maman is making its grand return to Paris in 2023, for 30 exceptional performances at the Théâtre Edouard VII. For the first time on a Parisian stage, Vanessa Paradis will tread the boards with the one who shares her life in the city: the author and director of the play, Samuel Benchetrit. The story ? A woman, wrapped in a fur coat, is waiting for a taxi. It’s night and a young man walks past her, then overtakes her and slowly backs up. The question he’s about to ask her will change both of their lives.
The actors await you for an excellent moment and an evening filled with laughter and emotion. In just a few clicks, reserve your seats on the map with the Ticketac box office. Good show !