Théâtre des Deux Ânes

Théâtre des Deux Ânes is a small satirical theatre in the Montmartre district of Paris, located at 100 Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement — one of the last stages keeping alive the French tradition of "chansonniers," performers who mock politics and public life through song and stand-up.

Where does the name come from?

The building on Boulevard de Clichy has changed hands and signage repeatedly since 1910, having hosted cabarets under names like "L'Araignée," "Le Porc-épic" and "Les Truands." It wasn't until 1922 that new owners Roger Ferréol and André Dalh, unable to agree on a better name, jokingly compared themselves to two stubborn donkeys — and "Les Deux Ânes" was born. Architect Millon redesigned the façade at the time, adding the now-iconic relief of two donkeys in evening dress that still marks the entrance today.

What can you expect on stage?

The auditorium seats around 300 people and has spent the past century staging satirical shows built from monologues, songs and sketches poking fun at current politics and French social habits. It's a continuation of a much older street tradition of jugglers and singers on the Pont Neuf, dating back to the 1650s, which by the 19th century evolved into Montmartre's signature genre of satirical song-cabarets. Performers who have taken this stage include Pierre Dac, Robert Rocca and René Dorin — names familiar to anyone who follows French political comedy. Since 1995 the theatre has been run by comedian Jacques Mailhot, and the programme is regularly rewritten to reflect whatever is happening in French public life, so no two seasons look quite the same.

How do you get there?

The theatre sits right on the border of the 9th and 18th arrondissements, near Place de Clichy. The easiest way in is by metro to Place de Clichy (lines 2 and 13) or Blanche (line 2), both just a few minutes' walk from the entrance. The surrounding streets are classic Montmartre, packed with cafés and old cinemas, so it's easy to pair a show with an evening stroll through the neighborhood.

When should you go?

Satirical shows run in the evenings throughout the year, with the usual summer break common to Parisian theatres. Because the material is built around French political and cultural current affairs, getting the most out of the humor requires solid French and an up-to-date sense of what's happening in the country — worth keeping in mind if you're planning the evening for visitors from abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak French to enjoy the show? Yes — the programme relies almost entirely on spoken wordplay tied to French politics, so without strong French and some cultural context, much of the humor will be lost.

How many people does the theatre seat? The intimate auditorium at Théâtre des Deux Ânes holds around 300 people, which keeps the atmosphere close and direct.

Why is it called "Théâtre des Deux Ânes"? Because the owners who took over in 1922 jokingly likened themselves to two stubborn donkeys — a joke still visible today in the donkey reliefs on the façade.

What's the easiest way to get there? Take the metro to Place de Clichy (lines 2 or 13) or Blanche (line 2); both stops are just a short walk from the entrance in Montmartre.