Théâtre du Chevalet

Théâtre du Chevalet sits in the middle of Noyon, a small town in the Hauts-de-France region, and has served as the town's main performing-arts venue for more than two decades.

What is the story behind the building?

The current theatre opened in December 1999 on the site of an older municipal playhouse that dated back to the early twentieth century. Architect Sylvie Solvet designed the replacement using brick as the main facade material, a choice that lets the modern structure sit comfortably alongside the older buildings of Noyon's historic core rather than standing out from them.

What will you find inside?

The auditorium seats roughly 440 people in tiered rows, giving every seat a clear line of sight to the stage. The same building also houses the town's médiathèque (public library and media centre), so the complex works as a combined cultural hub rather than a single-purpose hall. Families in particular benefit from this layout: one parent can browse the library shelves while checking the season's programme in the lobby.

What kind of shows are staged here?

The season mixes disciplines rather than sticking to one genre: theatre productions share the calendar with concerts, dance, circus arts and comedy. The venue also runs a dedicated young-audience strand, with performances scheduled for school groups from Noyon and the surrounding area — a consistent pairing of adult programming with cultural education for children that isn't common at every regional stage of this size.

How do you get to Théâtre du Chevalet?

The theatre stands at 6 Place Aristide Briand, right in Noyon's old town, a short walk from Notre-Dame cathedral and the main square. As with most cultural venues in small French towns, everything in the centre is reachable on foot, so there's no need to plan for local transport once you're in Noyon itself. The box office keeps set opening hours during the week, so it's worth checking the current schedule before a visit.

When is the best time to visit?

The main season runs from autumn through spring, in line with most French public theatres, and that's when premieres and school performances are concentrated. Over summer the building typically runs on a reduced schedule, so if a specific show is the goal, it's better to plan the trip outside the school holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many seats does the Théâtre du Chevalet have? The main auditorium has tiered seating for around 440 spectators.

Is there anything else in the building besides the theatre hall? Yes — the same complex houses the town's médiathèque, so a visit can combine a show with browsing the library.

Who designed the building? Architect Sylvie Solvet designed the current theatre, using brick on the facade to match the historic character of central Noyon.

What kind of performances can you see there? The programme covers theatre, music, dance, circus and comedy, plus a separate season aimed at children and school groups.