The Théâtre des Nouveautés (literally the “Theater of the New”) was designed by architect Adolf Tiers and opened in 1921. It is the fourth Parisian theater to bear this same name—the first opened in 1827 on Salle de la Bourse to host comic operas and satirical plays—and this latest incarnation of the Nouveautés is still pulling in the crowds with farces and satire. The theater is also home to the wildly successful How to Become a Parisian in One Hour?, a one-man show in English by French comedian Olivier Giraud.
Shows at the Théâtre des Nouveautés are very popular and sell out quickly, so purchase tickets in advance online or by telephone to assure a spot.
Last-minute tickets are available based on availability at the theater box office daily, except for Mondays, until the beginning of each show.
Despite the grand interiors, the theater does not require formal attire, so choose smart casual dress.
Théâtre des Nouveautés was renovated in 2016 and is now accessible to wheelchairs; contact the theater in advance for information and assistance.
Théâtre des Nouveautés sits in the heart of the Grands Boulevards theater district, where many of the famous and storied playhouses in Paris are clustered. Take metro lines 8 or 9 to the Grands Boulevards or Bonne Nouvelle stations just steps from the theater, or one of the various city bus routes that stop nearby.
The theater does not offer tours, so you must attend a performance to admire its neoclassical decor. Shows are held from Tuesday to Sunday in the early evenings; check the theater website for exact showtimes. If you need to pick up reserved tickets at the box office, be sure to arrive at least 45 minutes before showtime.
You don’t necessarily need to speak French to enjoy the vibrant theater scene in Paris. In addition to Olivier Giraud’s English-language satire at Théâtre des Nouveautés, you can enjoy French-language plays, comedies, or musicals with English surtitles in several Parisian theaters, like Théâtre du Ranelagh, Théâtre Edouard VII, and Théâtre Edgar. And, of course, there are the city’s famed cabaret performances at hot spots like the Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse.
