Théâtre du Nord-Ouest

Théâtre du Nord-Ouest is a small drama theatre in Paris's 9th arrondissement, on rue du Faubourg-Montmartre, just steps from the Grands Boulevards metro station. Open since 1997, it stands out for an unusual approach to programming: entire seasons devoted to the complete works of a single playwright.

What's the story behind this theatre?

The Nord-Ouest opened its doors in June 1997 and has been run by the same person ever since: Jean-Luc Jeener. It operates as an actor-managed association rather than a commercial venue, which explains its intimate feel and the long-standing company of performers who return season after season.

Before the theatre existed, the same building held a different kind of Parisian nightlife: the Club des Cinq, a cabaret opened right after the Liberation of Paris by five former soldiers of the 2nd Armored Division. Édith Piaf sang there on several occasions, and the venue became one she held dear — a trace of that earlier era still lingers, even if little physical evidence of the cabaret remains today.

What kind of plays does it stage?

The programming here follows its own logic. Rather than a rotating bill of single shows, the theatre builds seasons lasting 8 to 12 months, each one dedicated entirely to one theme or one author. Past seasons have covered the complete works of Victor Hugo, Marivaux, Molière, and Shakespeare, staged one play after another so audiences can experience an author's full body of work in a single place. The 2026 season belongs to Alfred de Musset.

This format draws a particular kind of theatregoer — regulars who follow a season's plays over months rather than dropping in for a single night, watching the same troupe grow into role after role.

What does the venue itself look like?

The theatre has two performance spaces. The larger one, Salle Laborey, is the original hall: 120 seats and a wide stage suited to productions with more elaborate sets. The smaller Salle Economidès, added in 1997 behind the foyer, seats 80 and puts the audience close to the actors — a good fit for more intimate, dialogue-driven plays.

How do you get there, and when should you visit?

The theatre sits at 13 rue du Faubourg-Montmartre, in the heart of the 9th arrondissement, close to Grands Boulevards station, which is served by several metro lines and easy to reach from almost anywhere in Paris. The surrounding area is one of the liveliest parts of central Paris, so it's worth pairing a visit with dinner at one of the many restaurants nearby. Since the repertoire changes by season rather than week to week, it's worth checking the current programme before travelling — plays from a given cycle typically run several times a week over many months, making it easier to fit a performance around your stay.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to book tickets in advance? Yes, especially for weekend evenings — the hall is small (80 to 120 seats), so seats sell out quickly.

How long does a performance last? It depends on which play is currently running within the season's cycle — since the theatre stages a rotating set of works devoted to one author, both length and repertoire shift over the course of the year.

Is there English-language programming? No, performances are in French — this is a classic Parisian drama theatre, not a venue aimed at tourists.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The Grands Boulevards area is packed with theatres, cinemas, and brasseries — it's an easy walk to the Opéra Garnier or the 19th-century covered shopping passages.