Théâtre du Tiroir

Théâtre du Tiroir is a small, independent theatre in Laval, France — a stage built less on scale than on closeness to its audience and a willingness to take repertoire risks. Housed in a former chapel at 8 rue Jean Macé, it has been part of Laval's cultural life for more than three decades.

How did this theatre come about?

The company's story starts in October 1990, when director Jean Luc Bansard took over the disused bakery-oven room of the abandoned Corbineau barracks in central Laval. It was there that the troupe staged its first production, "Arcadio", playing to sold-out houses. That founding act — turning a leftover industrial space into a stage — set the tone for a company whose unofficial motto is "Résister c'est exister" ("to resist is to exist").

Since May 1995 the company has had a permanent home at the so-called Petit Théâtre, 8 rue Jean Macé, a building that previously served as a chapel. Converting a sacred space into a performance venue gave the place a distinctive character: intimate, acoustically warm, and unlike anything you'd find in a standard multiplex-style auditorium.

What can you expect to see?

Théâtre du Tiroir's programming isn't limited to classic drama. Each year the venue puts on six to eight productions spanning theatre proper, dance, concerts, and shows aimed at whole families. That range means the venue draws both theatre regulars and visitors simply looking for an unusual evening out in Laval.

The small scale of the Petit Théâtre — a former chapel — favours close contact between performers and audience, something hard to find in large, several-hundred-seat halls. Here the distance between stage and front row is a matter of metres, which matters if you're drawn to intimate, author-driven theatre rather than big commercial productions.

Getting there and when to visit

The theatre sits right in central Laval, at 8 rue Jean Macé, so reaching it on foot or by local transport from anywhere in town is straightforward. Laval itself has good rail links to Paris and Rennes, making a day trip built around a single show entirely workable.

Because Théâtre du Tiroir runs on a seasonal programme rather than a permanent exhibit, plan your visit around a specific production rather than hoping to walk in on a show. Check the current schedule before travelling — the season generally runs from autumn through spring, with a summer break.

Frequently asked questions

What is Théâtre du Tiroir? A professional theatre company based in Laval since 1990, with a permanent home since 1995 in a former chapel at 8 rue Jean Macé.

What kind of shows does it put on? Six to eight productions a year, covering drama, dance, concerts, and family shows.

Where does the company's history begin? In 1990, when Jean Luc Bansard staged "Arcadio" in the disused bakery-oven room of Laval's former Corbineau barracks.

Should I book tickets in advance? Given the venue's small capacity, it's worth checking the programme and booking ahead, especially for popular titles.