Best of / Music

Memorable musicals in Paris

Clémentine Santerre et la Rédaction Paris je t'aime - Updated on
Singin’ in the Rain, The Sun King, La Cage aux Folles… for adults and children alike, here are the most eagerly awaited musicals of the year in Paris!

From timeless classics and revivals to family-friendly musicals and brand-new productions, this autumn in Paris is all about the music! Don’t miss Singin’ in the Rain, Le Roi Soleil, La Cage aux Folles and many other musicals to see - and see again – this autumn.

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🎯In 2026, headline musicals are topping the bill!

One of the season’s major events is the new adaptation of Singin’ in the Rain, at the Théâtre du Lido from 17 September 2026. This timeless classic tells the story of the transition from silent to talking films in the glitzy Hollywood of the 1920s.

Following its huge success in 2024, the musical Les Misérables returns to the Théâtre du Châtelet from 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. This production, directed by Ladislas Chollat, looks set to be the perfect way to round off the 2026 festive season.

Another great French classic, Le Roi Soleil, the musical by Kamel Ouali and Dove Attia, returns in a new production from 12 September to 18 October 2026
at the Dôme de Paris. Iconic songs, majestic sets… The formula for success that has captivated over 1.6 million audience members has been retained, much to our delight!

A pictorial guide to the musicals of the autumn 2026 season

Le Roi Lion - Comédie musicale - Théâtre Mogador - Affiche 2025
© Disney
Affiche La Cage aux folles
© Théâtre du Châtelet
Les Misérables - Théâtre du Chatelet
Les Misérables - Théâtre du Chatelet © DR

Also not to be missed is the new production of Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera, running at the Théâtre du Gymnase Marie-Bell from 8 October 2026 to 17 January 2027. Conceived by Benoît Solès, Julien Alluguette, Pierre-Yves Lebert (songs) and Marc Demais (music), this adaptation - which diverges somewhat from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s cult classic - offers a skilful blend of theatre and opera.

It has come a long way, Jean Poiret's La Cage aux Folles. This classic French play was exported to Broadway, where it became a musical with music by Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman, before returning to the French musical stage in this form. This winter, Laurent Laffite takes on the role of Albin/Zaza, promising us a show not to be missed. To experience this new adaptation - following its triumph at the Théâtre du Châtelet last winter - head to La Seine Musicale from 30 October to 14 November 2026!

The Perfect Gentleman Assassin’s Guide, the French adaptation of the Broadway musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder - winner of four Tony Awards - will run at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal until 20 December 2026. A wonderful journey back to early 20th-century London.

For a truly moving experience, book your ticket for the musical Dear Evan Hansen at the Théâtre Marigny on 22 September, for a one-off performance following its triumph at the Théâtre de la Madeleine last winter. This production, which won six Tony Awards, explores the struggle to find one’s place during adolescence with remarkable accuracy and modernity.

🎯New musicals to discover in autumn 2026

Everyone onto the dance floor at Bobino! This season, the Théâtre de la Rue de la Gaîté is staging the musical Inferno: The Last Night of Disco from 9 October 2026 to 24 January 2027. The show transports the audience to a 1970s disco club to the sounds of the genre’s biggest stars: Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Stevie Wonder, Chic and Diana Ross.
To explore other facets of music history, head to the 13e Art from Thursday 26 November 2026 to Sunday 31 January 2027 to discover Black Legends. Twenty-five artists take to the stage to bring to life the greatest hits from Nina Simone to Prince, Ray Charles, Beyoncé, Marvin Gaye and James Brown!

Until June 2027, the Théâtre Gaîté Rive Gauche takes us on a journey through an idyllic Paris with the musical Paris is Magique, in which a man hides Paris’s flaws so as not to shock his Japanese fiancée.

On a different note, the musical Tout feu tout flamme, written and directed by Arthur Jugnot with music by Romain Trouillet, offers a humorous reimagining of the story of Joan of Arc. Running at the Comédie de Paris until 3 January 2027.

Finally, for something truly original, take part in New – The Improvised Musical at the Théâtre des Mathurins from 25 October 2026 to 27 December 2026. The audience provides the title, the setting and the main plot twists, whilst the actors improvise to create a musical that is 100 per cent original at every performance!

🎯Musicals for children

When it comes to singing along as a family, you’re spoilt for choice! Take the iconic musical The Lion King, for example, which continues to be a highlight at the Théâtre Mogador from 25 September 2026 to 8 August 2027. A resounding success since its premiere in 2007, it has already been seen by over 100 million people worldwide. The sets, costumes, staging and songs are sure to put a twinkle in the eyes of young and old alike.

A highly anticipated new production is set to open this autumn: Shrek the Musical, inspired by the DreamWorks animated film. Directed by Philippe Hersen, this production will run at the Folies Bergère in Paris from 2 October 2026 to 17 January 2027. Whilst the story of the ogre forced to leave his swamp remains largely the same, this musical nevertheless promises some delightful surprises, notably the appearance of Chantal Ladesou in the magic mirror!

In a similar vein, the Lucernaire is hosting a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s legendary novel, Oliver Twist, until January 2027. Performed by six brilliant young artists who blend songs, choreography and tap dancing, it can be seen on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

🔍 Where to go for a family outing in Paris in autumn 2025?

Looking for ideas for the new autumn 2025 cultural season? Paris has boundlessactivities for kids and adults. With an exceptional programme of live productions, cultural events, art installations and all kinds of entertainment, the French capital promises unique family moments to share together.
👉 Discover the best family outings in Paris for autumn 2025!

❓Frequently asked questions

Théâtre Mogador, Théâtre du Châtelet, Bobino... where can you see the latest French musicals in Paris?

Musical shows are performed all over Greater Paris. But some venues promise a programme particularly focused on musicals. This is the case for the Mogador, Châtelet, Marigny, Gymnase and Renaissance theatres. But the Grand Rex, Palais des Congrès, Bobino, Dôme de Paris, Seine Musicale, Casino de Paris and Théâtre du Lido also offer at least one musical per season.

The Lion King, Madagascar... what are the latest musicals for children to see?

In 2025, there will be many musicals to see at the Mogador Theatre, starting with the iconic Lion King, but also many shows at the Renaissance Theatre and the Gymnase, which regularly host shows for families. You can find a selection at the end of this article.

How long can you see The Lion King at the Théâtre Mogador?

The musical The Lion King has been enchanting young and old alike since 11 November 2021. With over a million spectators, it is returning for its fifth season at the Théâtre Mogador until January 2026.

What to do in Paris in autumn and winter, from September to December?

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