Théâtre de Dix Heures

Théâtre de Dix Heures is one of Paris's oldest comedy-cabaret venues, tucked into the heart of Montmartre in the French capital's 18th arrondissement.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The theatre stands at 36 boulevard de Clichy, right on the border between Montmartre and Pigalle — a district famous for cabarets and nightlife. The closest metro stations are Blanche and Pigalle (line 2), both a short walk from the entrance. Because the area is one of the most visited stretches of the Right Bank, getting there by public transport is easy at almost any hour.

What's the story behind the venue?

A performance hall has operated at this address since the late 19th century, originally opened as the Cabaret des Arts by Gaston Secot, Xavier Privas, Balta and Numa Blès. The venue changed names several times over the following decades: in 1904 Dominique Bonnaud and Numa Blès rebranded it Logis de la Lune rousse (later known simply as La Lune rousse), and by 1916 it operated as La Chaumière. It only became the Théâtre de Dix Heures in 1925, once Roger Ferréol took over — the name nods to Georges Courteline's 1912 novel "Les Linottes." Raoul Arnaud bought the theatre in 1939, and in 1985 actor Michel Galabru acquired it, turning it into a launchpad for young writers and performers.

Who has performed here?

For decades the Théâtre de Dix Heures was a stronghold of Parisian "chansonniers" — satirical performers who mocked the politicians and celebrities of their day, among them Jean Rigaux, Noël-Noël, Lys Gauty, Jean Amadou and Thierry Le Luron. After Galabru took charge, the stage became a springboard for a new generation of comedians: Fernand Raynaud, Coluche, Gad Elmaleh and Florence Foresti all built early reputations here before moving on to bigger stages and television.

What will you find today?

The building combines a reception lobby with a main auditorium seating roughly 140 people — intimate by the standards of Paris's grand theatres, which keeps performers and audience close. Programming leans toward comedy: stand-up sets and humor-driven theatre pieces, often featuring emerging talent alongside established names. A serious incident forced the theatre to close in 2022, and the venue has since been undergoing restoration and relaunch — check the current schedule before visiting, as programming is gradually returning to full swing.

When should you visit?

Shows run mainly in the evening, in keeping with the name's nod to ten o'clock — the traditional starting time for Parisian cabaret performances. Thursday through Saturday tends to offer the fullest program, and booking ahead is worthwhile for well-known comedians' shows. Montmartre comes alive after dark, so pairing a visit here with a stroll through the surrounding streets of Pigalle makes for a natural evening out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Théâtre de Dix Heures? At 36 boulevard de Clichy, in Paris's 18th arrondissement, on the border of Montmartre and Pigalle, a few minutes' walk from the Blanche or Pigalle metro stations.

Where does the name come from? It was adopted in 1925, referencing Georges Courteline's 1912 novel "Les Linottes"; before that the venue had gone by other names, including Cabaret des Arts and La Lune rousse.

Which performers are associated with the theatre? Chansonniers like Jean Rigaux and Noël-Noël in its early decades, and comedians who started their careers there later on, including Fernand Raynaud, Coluche, Gad Elmaleh and Florence Foresti.

How many seats does the auditorium have? The main hall holds around 140 seats, making it a small, intimate venue compared with Paris's larger theatres.