The Sun King: The iconic musical at Paris Dôme this winter 2025-2026

Powdered wigs and corsets are going to be in short supply ... because the Sun King is back in action in December 2025! Twenty years after its very first performance, Kamel Ouali and Dove Attia's cult musical makes a comeback worthy of Versailles.

Hear ye, hear ye, ladies and gentlemen - Le Roi Soleil is ready to reclaim his throne in 2025 at the Dôme de Paris! Twenty years after its premiere, Kamel Ouali and Dove Attia's cult musical comedy, now produced by Décibels Productions, will make its grand return to Paris from December 4, 2025 to January 18, 2026, before touring the whole kingdom... or rather, the whole of France!

Since its coronation in 2005 at the Palais des Sports, this flamboyant show, retracing the loves and ambitions of Louis XIV, has dazzled over 1.6 million spectators in 380 performances in France, Switzerland and Belgium, according to Chéri FM. The show's timeless anthems, from "Être à la hauteur" to "Je fais de toi mon essentiel", have left their mark on a generation, and in the process have crowned two great singers: Emmanuel Moire, imperial as the Sun King, and Christophe Maé, unforgettable as the rebellious brother.

And good news for the Court faithful: Emmanuel Moire dons the crown of Louis XIV! Alongside him, Flo Malley (The Voice, Salut les Copains, Paradis Latin) becomes the Duc de Beaufort, while Louis Delort (The Voice, 1789: Les Amants de la Bastille), as the King's brother, promises to stir up a bit of excitement at the Court.

On the ladies' side, the female roles add a little more charm to the Court: Lou (The Voice Kids, Molière le spectacle musical) is Marie Mancini, Clara Poulet becomes Madame de Maintenon, Vanina plays Isabelle, the people's daughter, and Margaux Heller (The Voice, Flash Dance) will interpret Madame de Montespan.

This return is in the tradition of the great revivals, following in the footsteps of The Ten Commandments and Notre-Dame de Paris, other monuments of French musical comedy. The curtain opens on a royal return... Ready to dive back into the legend?

Our Verdict:

Forget the golden memories of 2005…Le Roi Soleil in its 2025 version makes a bold return at the Dôme de Paris, completely revamped with a modern, sometimes surprising twist. Gone are the elaborate baroque sets: now, 2D screens dominate the scenography, creating a striking visual landscape. This daring update initially feels a bit cold and less immersive than hoped during the first act. But after the intermission, technology truly comes into its own: Versailles is illuminated, grandeur unfolds, and the show expands in scale. While this direction may divide audiences, it clearly aims to refresh this beloved classic, fully embracing its contemporary edge.

And this modernization doesn’t stop there: the new version features much more dialogue, additional scenes, and richer context—offering a more detailed story that clarifies the plot and enhances the stakes. Costume-wise, the pastel tones depart from traditional gold and flamboyance, which may surprise fans of the opulent original. This more restrained palette aligns with the artistic vision, even if it might disorient those expecting lavishness.

On stage, the new cast rises to the occasion: Emmanuel Moire remains the magnetic core of the show; Lou Jean, aka Marie Mancini, charms with her crystalline voice; and Louis Delort skillfully takes on the role of the king’s brother, previously played by Christophe Maé. The soundtrack remains flawless: the pop-rock arrangements from 2005 haven’t aged a bit. Though the absence of live musicians—which was present during some performances—may be missed, it’s impossible to deny the timeless strength of these songs. The two or three new songs added to expand the score don’t significantly advance the story, despite efforts to enrich the musical palette.

The pace, meanwhile, never falters: no silent moments, with a seamless sequence of scenes, rap, breakdancers, and a climactic finale. A few flaws remain, such as interactions with the audience that briefly break the immersion and some passages whose meaning still feels a bit unclear…

Ultimately, the 2025 edition is a daring gamble: more intense, more explicit, sometimes uneven, and less emotionally charged than the original, but driven by a contemporary energy that’s clear and deliberate. It offers a fresh perspective, shaking up expectations while respecting the legacy of a cult classic.

One small caveat in the auditorium: visibility varies greatly depending on your seat. (Just to compare, we sat in the Carré Or, row 10 in the center, and even from there, the view was quite limited.) Additionally, the permitted use of smartphones occasionally breaks the spell, reducing the magic at times.