Théâtre Trévise

Théâtre Trévise is a small, intimate theatre in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, tucked away on rue de Trévise just steps from the famous Folies Bergère. For decades it has built its reputation on comedy and up-and-coming talent, making it one of the more genuine addresses on the Parisian entertainment map, away from the tourist rush of the Grands Boulevards.

What's the story behind this address?

The building housing the theatre dates back to the late 19th century and has been listed as a French historic monument since 1994. For years it shared its roof with the Paris office of the YMCA (UCJG in French) — and it was here, in 1893, that the very first basketball game ever played in Europe took place, the sport having just been brought over from America by YMCA staff. That sporting footnote gives Théâtre Trévise an unusual pedigree well beyond its life as a stage.

What kind of shows can you catch here?

The programme leans heavily on stand-up and comedy, alongside shows aimed at younger audiences. Wednesdays belong to the Musical'in Festival, dedicated to musical theatre, while every Sunday at 8:30pm the stage hosts FIEALD, Paris's oldest open-mic stage, founded in 1991, where emerging performers try out new material in front of a live crowd. This is the room where comedians like Jamel Debbouze and the duo Eric et Ramzy performed early in their careers, long before they became household names in French comedy.

How big is the venue and what does a ticket cost?

The auditorium seats around 270 people — small enough that even the back row gets a clear view without binoculars, and performers and audience end up sharing the same air. Ticket prices typically range from €10 to €20, making Trévise one of the more affordable stages in central Paris. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

How do you get there?

The theatre sits at 14 rue de Trévise, right in the heart of the 9th arrondissement. The easiest way in is by metro to Grands Boulevards or Cadet station — both leave just a short walk to the door. The surrounding streets are one of the more interesting corners of the Right Bank, with covered shopping passages (Passage Verdeau, Passage Jouffroy) and the Folies Bergère all within a few hundred metres.

When's the best time to visit?

The theatre runs year-round, with the lineup shifting season to season — most comedy premieres land in autumn and spring. Sunday nights with FIEALD are a good bet for sampling a varied, fresh set of acts in a single evening, and the Wednesday Musical'in Festival suits anyone drawn to musical theatre.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to book tickets in advance? Yes, especially for popular comedy shows and the Sunday FIEALD nights — booking can be done by phone or through the theatre's website.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, shows for younger audiences appear regularly alongside the adult comedy programme.

What exactly is FIEALD? It's Paris's oldest open stage for performers, running at Théâtre Trévise every Sunday evening since 1991.

Which well-known names have performed here? Comedians Jamel Debbouze and the duo Eric et Ramzy both took early steps on this stage before reaching national fame.