Théâtre Michel

Théâtre Michel is a small private playhouse in the heart of Paris, tucked away at 38 rue des Mathurins in the 8th arrondissement, just steps from Gare Saint-Lazare and Place de la Madeleine.

Who built it, and why does it carry that name?

The building went up in 1906 on the site of a former aristocratic townhouse, commissioned by Michel Mortier, who had already founded the nearby Théâtre des Capucines. Architect Bertin gave it a Napoleon III–style facade, an openable glass roof over the auditorium, and an ornate, classically inspired entrance. The house opened officially on 1 December 1908 with Tristan Bernard's comedy "Le Poulailler" — and it has carried its founder's first name ever since.

What has the stage lived through over the last century?

Only two years after opening, the great Seine flood of 1910 swept through Paris and badly damaged the stage and orchestra pit. Once repaired, the theatre reopened with Édouard Bourdet's "Le Rubicon", Sacha Guitry's "Le Veilleur de nuit", and Charles Méré and Régis Gignoux's "L'Ingénu". In 1923 the venue hosted one of the most talked-about nights in Parisian avant-garde history: the Dadaist evening remembered as "Cœur à barbe" ("The Bearded Heart"), still cited today as a landmark of experimental theatre in France. Its record run, though, came in 1967, when Henry de Montherlant's "La Ville dont le Prince est un enfant" notched an extraordinary 1,450 performances — a figure rarely matched on any Paris stage since.

Who runs it today?

After decades under the Camoletti family, playwright and director Didier Caron took over management in 2007. In 2018, ownership passed to Francis Nani and Sébastien Azzopardi, who also run the Théâtre du Palais-Royal; under them the house has kept up a steady diet of contemporary comedy and drama inside its period interior.

What does the auditorium look like?

The hall follows the classic "à l'italienne" layout — curved balconies and boxes wrapping around toward the stage — and seats 350. Its compact scale means even the back rows feel close to the actors, making it one of the more intimate stages on the Right Bank.

How do you get there?

Four metro stations sit within a short walk: Havre-Caumartin, Auber, Madeleine, and Saint-Lazare, so the theatre is easy to reach from almost anywhere in the city. The surrounding streets form a busy office-and-shopping district, with plenty of cafés for a pre- or post-show meal.

When should you visit?

The season runs from September to June, pausing for the summer break. Booking ahead is wise, especially for the comedies that tend to sell out fast with Parisian audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Théâtre Michel? At 38 rue des Mathurins, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, close to Gare Saint-Lazare.

How many seats does it have? The "à l'italienne" auditorium holds 350 spectators.

When did the theatre open? The building dates from 1906; it opened officially on 1 December 1908.

What's the most famous production in its history? Henry de Montherlant's 1967 play "La Ville dont le Prince est un enfant", which ran for 1,450 performances.