The Only Child: David Lescot at the Abbesses in Paris

L’Enfant unique, David Lescot’s latest work, is on stage at the Abbesses in Paris from October 7 to 17, 2026. The play follows a couple who become parents, then discovers that the long-awaited child is growing up, pushes back, and ultimately seeks their own place.

David Lescot writes the script, composes the music, and directs this spoken–musical comedy. The dialogue unfolds in melodic lines and rhythmic motifs, with a chorus tracing the beats of the story. Seven performers carry this family tale, weaving together memory, present life, and visions for what lies ahead.

The show begins with what parents expect: to protect their child and keep them close, sometimes to the point of suffocation. As the child grows, their fears clash with the need for autonomy. The arrival of a third member into the couple thus marks the starting point for a tale about family ties and emancipation.

• To be read
• Best bets for the week of October 12–18, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France

On stage, David Lescot is joined by Ludmilla Dabo, Sarah Brannens, Pauline Collin, Mirabelle Kalfon, Yannick Morzelle and Antoine Sarrazin. Alwyne de Dardel designed the set, while Juliette Besançon handled the lighting. The production is led by the Kaïros company, in co-production with Théâtre de la Ville and Théâtre de Cornouaille.

The production runs about 1h50, with tickets priced from €5 to €29. Remaining performances are at 8:00 PM on October 9 and 10, then from October 12 to 16, and at 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 17. The Theatre de la Ville box office lists the availability at the Abbesses.

This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.