Théâtre Yolande Moreau

Théâtre Yolande Moreau is the main performance venue of Vernon, a town on the Seine in the Eure department of Normandy. The theatre operates within the Espace Philippe-Auguste, a cultural complex that also houses a media library and a music-and-dance conservatory. Together they form the beating heart of the town's cultural life, with drama, concerts, dance and circus all sharing one well-equipped venue right in the town centre.

Where is the theatre located?

The building stands at 12 avenue Victor Hugo, in the very centre of Vernon, an easy walk from the train station and the old town. Its central location makes it simple to combine an evening show with a stroll through Vernon's historic streets and dinner at a nearby restaurant beforehand.

What will you find inside?

The auditorium seats 475 people, including three spaces reserved for visitors with reduced mobility. Its 200 m² stage was designed to keep performers and audience close together, favouring an intimate feel over the scale of a cavernous concert hall. Technical facilities include a 5-by-7-metre projection screen used for multimedia shows, and performers have four dressing rooms with showers at their disposal.

Where does the theatre's name come from?

The stage takes its name from Yolande Moreau, a Belgian actress and film director considered the most famous person associated with Vernon, where she had lived for years. Residents chose the name themselves in a public vote held the year before the renaming ceremony. That ceremony took place on 7 October at 11:30 am, with Yolande Moreau in attendance. Although she had never previously performed on this particular stage, she was the very first artist to do so under its new name, taking to the boards that same evening right after the official unveiling.

What kind of programme can you expect?

Theatre productions form the backbone of the schedule, but the bill extends well beyond drama: dance, circus arts, music, chanson, stand-up comedy and shows for young children all feature regularly. That range means the venue appeals equally to theatre purists, families looking for children's entertainment, and fans of live music.

When is the best time to visit?

The cultural season at Espace Philippe-Auguste generally runs from autumn through spring, with the busiest lineup during the school year, when most premieres and show cycles take place. Since the programme changes from one season to the next, it's worth checking the current schedule and ticket availability shortly before your visit.

Frequently asked questions

How many people can the theatre seat? The auditorium holds 475 seats, three of which are reserved for visitors with reduced mobility.

Why is the theatre named after Yolande Moreau? It honours the Belgian actress and director long associated with Vernon. Residents chose her name in a public vote, and she attended the renaming ceremony, going on to perform on the stage herself that same evening.

What kind of events does the theatre host? Mainly theatre productions, alongside dance, circus, concerts, chanson, stand-up comedy and shows for young audiences.

Is there anything else in the building besides the theatre hall? Yes — the theatre is part of the larger Espace Philippe-Auguste complex, which also includes a media library and a music-and-dance conservatory.