Every autumn, Paris is transformed into a lively stage. New shows and never-before-seen plays flock to the capital and Île-de-France, offering a rich and varied program for all audiences. Light comedies, intense dramas, contemporary creations or immersive experiences: there's plenty of diversity to discover.
What to see this week in Paris? Plays and shows not to be missed
Plays and shows to see this week in Paris: comedies, dance, humor, magic, cabaret... Our selection of must-see events. [Read more]
Every season, contemporary plays stand out for their audacity, tackling topical issues with inventive staging. At the other end of the spectrum, the great popular comedies seduce with their lightness and their ability to bring together a wide audience in search of entertainment.
Curious spectators will also be able to explore immersive experiences that push back the traditional boundaries of theater and plunge the audience right into the heart of the action.
Each theatrical season also relies on the major Parisian institutions, which play a major role in creating and presenting new shows. These include:
Each season, these emblematic venues offer eclectic programming that blends tradition and innovation.
Alongside the big stages, smaller venues offer the chance to discover new artists and innovative theatrical forms. The Théâtre de Belleville and the Lucernaire, for example, have become essential venues for spotting promising young directors and playwrights. These intimate venues offer a unique proximity to the audience, and often feature the season's most daring shows.
Beyond Paris, the Île-de-France region is also home to a thriving theater scene. Festivals, local creations and new writing all find their place in theaters throughout the region. As a result, theater lovers can enjoy a varied cultural offering, accessible to all audiences.
This guide lists new shows and plays not to be missed, updated regularly with the latest creations. Whether you're a fan of drama or comedy, or looking for new theatrical experiences, you'll find here a selection of the season's most striking offerings.
The Sun King: The iconic musical arrives at the Dôme de Paris this winter 2025-2026 – photos and reviews
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. [Read more]
Contrastes : Three visions of dance at the Palais Garnier
The Opéra national de Paris presents Contrastes, an evening of ballets by Trisha Brown, David Dawson and the van Opstals. On view at the Palais Garnier from December 1 to 31, 2025. [Read more]
La Cage aux Folles: the cult musical at the Théâtre du Châtelet with Laurent Lafitte—our review
La Cage aux Folles, the cult Broadway musical inspired by Jean Poiret's play, is making a comeback in Paris in a brand new French production. Created by Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman (music), the show will be at the Théâtre du Châtelet from December 5, 2025, to January 10, 2025, with Laurent Lafitte in the legendary role of Zaza. Here's what we thought. [Read more]
Babel, by Mourad Merzouki: the show that makes Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche dance - our opinion
This autumn, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche raises the curtain on Babel, the new show by hip-hop icon Mourad Merzouki. From September 4 to December 31, 2025, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening when the department store closes, ten circus artists and dancers will perform a spellbinding choreographic creation. [Read more]
Les Demoiselles de Rochefort: the cult musical at the Lido 2 Paris extended - our opinion
Les Demoiselles de Rochefort is coming to the Lido from October 2, 2025, to June 21, 2026. This classic by Jacques Demy, carried by Michel Legrand's legendary tunes and an energetic cast, is getting a new lease on life on stage. Here's what we thought. [Read more]
Orso and the Secret of the Stars: musical show at the 13ème Art
Discover Orso and the Secret of the Stars, a family musical show returning to Paris at Le 13ème Art from December 20, 2025, to January 3, 2026. [Read more]
Classique ?: contemporary ballet at the Théâtre Libre
Discover "Classique ?", a contemporary ballet by Victoria Dauberville directed by Paul Pascot, at the Théâtre Libre from December 17, 2025, to January 4, 2026. [Read more]
Dita Von Teese unveils Nocturnelle at Folies Bergère: glamour, mystery and burlesque
On April 23 and 24, 2026, Dita Von Teese returns to Paris with Nocturnelle, a glamorous new burlesque show at the Folies Bergère, combining Hollywood aesthetics, stage magic and refined performances. [Read more]
Le Fantôme de l'Opéra: when the shadow sings on the Théâtre Antoine stage
Le Fantôme de l'Opéra takes up residence at the Théâtre Antoine from October 22, 2025 to January 11, 2026, in a new, modern musical version. [Read more]
Eiffel Follie's: neo-burlesque cabaret at the Théâtre de la Tour Eiffel
Discover "Eiffel Follie's," Valentina del Pearls' neo-burlesque cabaret, back at the Théâtre de la Tour Eiffel from December 20, 2025, to January 3, 2026. [Read more]
Pasolini's Pétrole adapted by Sylvain Creuzevault at L'Odéon
Presented from November 25 to December 21, 2025 as part of the Festival d'Automne, Pier Paolo Pasolini's Pétrole is set to become a radical, lavish spectacle under the direction of Sylvain Creuzevault. A creation as political as it is literary. [Read more]
Le Bourgeois gentilhomme: Jean-Paul Rouve extends his run at the Théâtre Antoine
Jean-Paul Rouve plays Monsieur Jourdain in Le Bourgeois gentilhomme, directed by Jérémie Lippmann. The show has been extended until February 1, 2026, at the Théâtre Antoine. [Read more]
La Vérité: Florian Zeller's cult comedy extended at Théâtre Edourd VII
Florian Zeller's cult play La Vérité is being extended in Paris at the Théâtre Édouard VII from September 23 to December 31, 2025, with an exceptional cast. The comedy has already seduced thousands of spectators in France since 2011, but also around the world, with the play having been performed in over thirty countries. [Read more]
Le Misanthrope returns to the Comédie-Française, directed by Clément Hervieu-Léger
From October 3, 2025 to January 3, 2026, the Comédie-Française revives Le Misanthrope, directed by Clément Hervieu-Léger. A faithful contemporary reading of Molière's masterpiece, performed at the Salle Richelieu. [Read more]
Numéro Deux: the story of the man who was not chosen to play Harry Potter returns
Discover Numéro Deux, the play about the casting of Harry Potter, at the Théâtre Tristan Bernard until January 3, 2026. [Read more]
Et à la fin, ils meurent (And in the end, they die): a biting comedy at the Manufacture des Abbesses
Discover "Et à la fin, ils meurent" (And in the end, they die), a comedy based on Lou Lubie and directed by Antoine Brin, at the Manufacture des Abbesses from November 23, 2025. [Read more]
Peau d'homme: Laure Calamy in the cult comic returns to Théâtre Montparnasse
From October 8, 2025, Peau d'homme, the iconic work by Hubert and Zanzim, comes to life at the Théâtre Montparnasse in a creation by Léna Bréban. Starring Laure Calamy in the title role, this theatrical adaptation blends an initiatory tale, songs by Ben Mazué and choreography by Leïla Ka for a spellbinding new stage experience. [Read more]
L'École de danse: Goldoni at the Comédie-Française in a set inspired by the Palais Garnier
The Comédie-Française presents L'École de danse by Carlo Goldoni, directed by Clément Hervieu-Léger. To be seen at the Salle Richelieu from November 14, 2025 to January 3, 2026. [Read more]
La Jalousie: Sacha Guitry in majesty for the 100th anniversary of the Théâtre de la Michodière
To celebrate its centenary, the Théâtre de la Michodière presents La Jalousie, a gritty comedy by Sacha Guitry, directed by Michel Fau. To be seen from October 16, 2025. [Read more]
La Soirée Criminelle: investigation, dinner and mystery in the heart of Paris
From October 15, 2025 to April 8, 2026, La Soirée Criminelle at La Main au Panier will combine interactive theater and fine dining in a detective atmosphere. An original immersion in a life-size investigation, to be experienced in public. [Read more]
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What to see this week in Paris? Plays and shows not to be missed
