La Grande Comedie

La Grande Comédie is one of Paris's best-known comedy theatres, tucked away at 40 rue de Clichy in the city's 9th arrondissement.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The theatre sits on rue de Clichy, right in the middle of a neighbourhood packed with playhouses and entertainment venues. Its central position in this theatre district makes it easy to combine an evening here with a stroll past several other stages nearby, and the full address — 40 rue de Clichy, 75009 Paris — is worth noting down before you set off.

What will you see on stage?

Everything programmed at La Grande Comédie falls into two categories: boulevard comedy and one-man or one-woman stand-up shows. Humour is the house speciality, and the bill mixes household names from the French comedy scene with newcomers building an audience. Performers who have taken the stage here include the duo Omar et Fred and comedian Max Boublil, alongside in-house productions such as "Le Clan des divorcées", directed by Alil Vardar. The venue runs two auditoriums: a larger room seating roughly 400 for the bigger productions, and a smaller, more intimate space for about 100 spectators, reserved for lower-key shows and rising acts. A basement bar gives audiences somewhere to gather before curtain-up or during the interval.

When should you plan your visit?

Box office hours are Monday to Friday from 6pm to 10pm, Saturday from 1pm to 10pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 6pm — the best window for collecting pre-booked tickets or reserving on the spot. Evening comedy slots sell fast, so booking ahead is advisable, particularly for well-known names and weekend performances.

A theatre built on laughter

La Grande Comédie opened in 2005 and has since earned a reputation as one of the go-to addresses for comedy in Paris. The venue is run by Hazis Vardar, who also owns several other theatres across France, while the artistic direction is shaped by Alil Vardar, a well-established figure in contemporary boulevard theatre. His programming choices favour fast-paced, accessible humour aimed at a broad audience rather than theatre purists, which is why the house draws both Parisians looking for a night out and visitors after something different from the classic grand-stage repertoire.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is La Grande Comédie located? The theatre is at 40 rue de Clichy, in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, at the heart of a district dense with theatres.

How many people does the venue hold? There are two auditoriums — a larger one for around 400 spectators and a smaller, more intimate room for about 100.

What kind of shows are staged there? The programme is dedicated entirely to boulevard comedies and stand-up/one-man shows, featuring both established and emerging French comedians.

What are the box office hours? Monday to Friday 6pm–10pm, Saturday 1pm–10pm, and Sunday 1pm–6pm.