Élie Semoun stings with Cactus at L'Européen

With Cactus, his eighth show, Élie Semoun returns to the stage at L'Européen, from January 20 to February 24, 2026, with humor as biting as ever. True to his taste for colorful characters, this time he enriches his repertoire with a more straightforward dose of stand-up, without denying his offbeat, theatrical style.

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In this new gallery, we meet Jean Abdul, a two-faced character who even provides his own opening act, as well as a son showing his father around a nursing home, a disabled man introducing his wife to his mother, a disreputable karate class, and a father destabilized by his child's transition. Religion, harassment, racism, family, old age: all sensitive themes tackled with the wry humor and sharp elegance for which the artist is renowned.

This show is aimed at audiences who like their humor acid but nuanced, capable of bringing laughter where discomfort lurks, and pointing out the contradictions of a changing society. Fans of finely-written sketches and social observation will find a performance rooted in current affairs, without over-the-top effects. On the other hand, those who prefer consensual comedy or smoother stand-up may be put off by the overt frontality of certain scenes.

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From January 20 to February 24, 2026 at L'Européen, Élie Semoun presents Cactus, a show that promises to be as piquant as it is funny, where laughter is born of unease as well as tenderness. A return to the stage, between stand-up and a gallery of characters, to better grasp the paradoxes of our times.

This article is based on information available to date and is not based on a viewing of the show.

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