To discover in this article:
You can go and see a play in Paris even when you don’t speak French. Many venues offer performances that or either in foreign languages or accessible to non-speaking French audiences; there are even plays with surtitles that enable foreign tourists to go to the theatre just like Parisians!
Many non-French speakers would like to attend a theatre performance in Paris … but the language barrier can cause quite a problem.
Two options are available for them: surtitling in English and performance in English. Packages adapted to foreign audiences – tourists, foreign residents, students … – staying in Paris, who are finally going to have the opportunity to fully enjoy a performance in a Parisian theatre!
Want to enjoy the unique experience of theatre in French... without speaking the language? At the Comédie-Française, you can now follow the great plays of the repertoire thanks to connected glasses that display real-time subtitles in English (or simplified French).
This discreet device allows you to fully enjoy the actors' performances without taking your eyes off the stage. This innovation makes classical theatre accessible to all international visitors - and also benefits hearing-impaired audience members.
Several Parisian theatres specialize in welcoming the non-French-speaking public. At the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe for example, the programme includes shows in foreign languages (Vietnamese, Russian, English ...) surtitled in French, but also performances of all kinds surtitled in English and French, and even in sign language.
The Théâtre Édouard VII whose programme is mainly devoted to contemporary French comedies, and the Théâtre Le Ranelagh, with its programme of classic plays for young and old offer performances with English surtitles.
La Colline – national theatre and the Théâtre de l'Œuvre also offer a few plays in foreign languages.
In Paris, the musical The Lion King at the Théâtre Mogador also appeals to non-French-speaking audiences thanks to a system of English surtitles. This spectacular staging of the Disney masterpiece combines songs, costumes and breathtaking sets for an unforgettable theatrical experience, perfectly suited to international visitors.
Comedies, shows with improvisation, and one-man & one-woman shows are not lacking in Paris! And just because you're not French doesn’t mean you can't go along and laugh with Parisians ... and even laugh at Parisians!
Shows like Olivier Giraud’s How to become Parisian in one hour and Julie Collas’ Oh my God she's Parisian! scrutinize the capital’s inhabitants.
These two shows entirely in English, but accessible to everyone, make gentle fun of Parisians and their habits.
Théâtre des Nouveautés
7pm Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Saturday: 6pm.
Théatre BO Saint-Martin
7pm Friday and Sunday
Hurry and take advantage of this great offer
