théâtre de Poche-Montparnasse

Théâtre de Poche-Montparnasse is one of Paris's oldest private theatres, tucked down a side passage off Boulevard du Montparnasse in the 6th arrondissement.

Where exactly is it located?

The theatre's official address is 75 Boulevard du Montparnasse, but the entrance sits at the end of a narrow passage set back from the boulevard itself. That tucked-away position has shaped the venue's identity from the start - a small, almost hidden stage rather than one of the grand houses lining central Paris.

How did the theatre get its name?

The venue opened in 1943, during the German occupation of Paris, when director and actor Marcel Oger (born Mark Liebrecht) took over a former café and turned it into a stage. The original auditorium held only sixty seats, which is where the "pocket theatre" name comes from - poche means "pocket" in French. The opening production was staged by Jean Vilar, one of the most influential figures in twentieth-century French theatre, and combined three one-act plays: Strindberg's "Storm", Jean Schlumberger's "Césaire", and Henry Becque's "The Widow".

What can you see there today?

For decades, the Poche-Montparnasse has built its reputation on discovering young, not-yet-famous writers before they became known names. Marguerite Duras and Roland Dubillard both had work staged here, Jacques Audiberti premiered "Le Mal court" on this stage, and Eugène Ionesco presented "The Lesson". The current programming continues that tradition, favouring intimate drama, one-person shows, and contemporary plays performed close to the audience, without the distance of a large auditorium.

Who has run the theatre over the years?

After Marcel Oger, direction passed through several hands: Pierre Valde (1947-1951), France Guy (1951-1953), the duo of Marcel Cuvelier and André Cellier (1953-1956), and then Renée Delmas and Étienne Bierry, who ran the theatre continuously for fifty-five years, until 2011. In 2012, journalist and writer Philippe Tesson bought the theatre; the building underwent a full renovation and reopened in January 2013.

When should you plan a visit?

The theatre runs a full season, with the summer break typical of Paris's private stages. Because the auditorium is small, tickets for popular shows sell out quickly, so booking ahead is worthwhile, especially for premieres and productions featuring well-known actors. The intimate format means every seat feels close to the stage - part of the appeal, and part of the reason capacity stays limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the entrance? The address is 75 Boulevard du Montparnasse, but the auditorium sits back inside a narrow passage rather than directly on the boulevard - look for the signage marking the entrance to the alley.

Why is it called a "pocket theatre"? Because the original auditorium held only sixty seats, making it one of the smallest private theatres in Paris - the name plays on that compact size.

Who founded the theatre, and when? Marcel Oger (Mark Liebrecht) opened it in 1943, during the German occupation, in a converted café.

Which writers are associated with this stage? Early work by Eugène Ionesco and Jacques Audiberti was staged here, alongside texts by Marguerite Duras and Roland Dubillard, before each became an established name.