Entertainment in English: theatre, film and comedy in English - Time Out Paris (2024)

Entertainment in English: theatre, film and comedy in English - Time Out Paris (1)

Where to go for banter in the Bard's tongue...

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The number of English language theatre groups in Paris may have dwindled recently; but stand-up comedy is on the rise, and théâtres like the Odéon,Théâtre de l'Europe usually include a couple of works in English each season. Check out this list of suggestions, and when all else fails, head to the flicks...

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Laughing Matters

When French comedy no longer hits your funny bone, promoter Karel Beer’s Laughing Matters nights at La Java (organised by his Anything Matters company, which also programmes concerts) usually hits the spot. Expect big names from the Anglophone stand-up world, like Rich Hall, Greg Proops and Josie Long, and tickets that fly like hotcakes.
La Java, 105 rue du Faubourg-du-Temple, 10e. www.la-java.fr. Métro Rébublique. For more information call 01.53.19.98.88.

AB
Théâtre La Cible
  • Theatre
  • Saint-Georges

The tiny La Cible theatre in the heart of SoPi (South Pigalle) promotes raucous comedies and one-man shows by emmerging actors. While 90% of the programme is in French, there's usually at least one English language comedy show and stand-up act each week.

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Odéon, Théâtre de L'Europe
  • Theatre
  • Odéon

Streams of original language plays (including some in English - check the website) put the neo-classical Théâtre de l'Europe in a league of its own. Highlights for 2012 include 'Prometheus Bound', from Aeschylus, directed by Oliver Py and August Strindberg's 'Miss Julie' (starring Juliette Binoche), plus the Impatience festival for young theatre companies.

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Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord
  • Theatre
  • Private theatres
  • Gare du Nord

Aside from the occasional play in English, this elegant theatre directed by Micheline Rozan and Peter Brook boasts one of the most imaginative programmes of chamber music in the capital. Adventurous programming this year includes an evening of festive music from 17th-century Istanbul, Müsennâ, and the return of veteran harpsichordist Gustav Leonhardt.

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The New York Comedy Night
  • Theatre

Every Friday (8pm) belly laugh deprived expats and anglophile Parisians head to the Pranzo-Gymnase (tucked away inside the Théâtre du Gymnase) for a night of sidesplitting, caustic comedy signed American stand-up comedian Sebastian Marx. His hour-long show, "A New Yorker in Paris", which covers Marx's experiences in Paris as an expat, is followed by the city's only English language open mic event, "The NY Comedy Night". Think you've got what it takes to tickle the crowd? Then revise your one-liners and arrive before 9.30pm.
Pranzo Gymnase, 38 boulevard de Bonne-Nouvelle, 10e. www.pranzo.fr. Métro Bonne Nouvelle. For more information see www.sebmarx.com

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UGC Ciné Cité Bercy
  • Cinemas
  • Bercy

This ambitious 18-screen development screens art movies as well as mainstream fodder, also and hosts regular meet-the-director events. The UGC's other branch, the 19-screen UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles (7 place de la Rotonde, Nouveau Forum des Halles, 1st, 08.92.70.00.00) serves the same mix of cinema and events.

For €19.80 a month, the UGC/MK2 Illimité card offers film buffs unlimited screenings at any UGC or MK2 venue, as well as some independents. Also now available, at €35 a month, is the Illimité 2 card, which is valid for two people.

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    Entertainment in English: theatre, film and comedy in English - Time Out Paris (2024)

    FAQs

    Are there any shows in Paris in English? ›

    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.

    What is the main Theatre in Paris? ›

    These places are best for theatres in Paris: Palais Garnier. Théatre de Mogador. Le Grand Rex.

    Are there musicals in Paris? ›

    With shows like Notre-Dame de Paris, Cats, Grease and Dirty Dancing playing to sold-out audiences, Paris has become one of the prime spots for musicals on par with London and New York.

    Do movie theaters in France play in English? ›

    In fact, English-language films are regularly shown in cinemas across France, particularly in major cities such as Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Nice.

    Does Paris have a theater scene? ›

    Paris theater and the activity of theater-going are long-standing traditions. Along with those of London and New York, The Paris theater and film scenes are possibly the most famous in the world.

    What is the largest movie theater in Paris? ›

    The Grand Rex, the largest cinema in Europe, was inaugurated in 1932. Listed as a historical monument and recognizable by its Art Deco façade, this sanctuary dedicated to the 7th art offers a 2-hour visit.

    What is the most popular show in Paris? ›

    1. Paris Crazy Horse Cabaret Show with Beverages including Champagne.

    Is Moulin Rouge worth it? ›

    The women had incredible bodies and were dressed to show them off. All I can say is that we probably wouldn't go again, considering the cost, but it was a once in a lifetime experience and anyone going to Paris should see it! ABSOLUTELY WORTH THE MONEY...but don't do the dinner, just the show.

    Are movies in Paris in French or English? ›

    Films in their original language version throughout Paris

    Almost all multiplex cinemas and independent cinema houses show international films from all around the world in their original version subtitled in French.

    What plays are available in Paris with English subtitles? ›

    Shows currently available with English surtitles: La récompense / The Prize (comedy) at the Théâtre Edouard VII; Cyrano de Bergerac et Les fourberies de Scapin / Scapin the Schemer (classic) at the Théâtre Le Ranelagh; Un été 44 / Summer 44 (musical comedy) at the Théâtre Le Comédia; Molière malgré moi / Molière in ...

    How much does it cost to go to the cinema in Paris? ›

    Today, the price of a cinema ticket is around 12 euros (excluding the supplement for a film in 3D). To enjoy a film without overspending, go to the capital's art house cinemas that charge reasonable rates, between 6 and 8.50 euros.

    Is Moulin Rouge musical in English? ›

    - Moulin Rouge. There's no talking but majority of the show is sung in French but you get the moral of the story through the dancing etc.

    Is Moulin Rouge in Paris the same as Broadway? ›

    The Moulin Rouge is more of a staple experience in Paris then an overall great show. Yes the costumes are magical and the theater is colourful and historic, but the actual quality of the show isn't comparable to shows like Broadway.

    Is there a Moulin Rouge musical? ›

    The Musical is a jukebox musical with a book by John Logan. The musical is based on the 2001 film Moulin Rouge! directed by Baz Luhrmann and written by Luhrmann and Craig Pearce.

    Can you get around Paris speaking English? ›

    When I lived in Paris, I was often approached by tourists asking for directions. And most of them spoke English. While you can get by speaking English, it's not something I would recommend. If you're visiting on vacation, a few phrases will be sufficient.

    Can you go to Paris if you only speak English? ›

    The answer is yes. Despite the persistent stereotype, quite a few Parisians speak English. And It is very possible to travel to Paris without speaking French.

    Can you get around Paris only speaking English? ›

    You can definitely visit Paris without speaking French, however having some basic knowledge can definitely be helpful. If you plan to move to Paris or stay for an extended time, then you will likely want to learn some basic French.

    Can you visit Paris if you don't speak French? ›

    Compared to many of their European neighbors, French people often have a reputation for not speaking foreign languages well. But with Paris being such an international city, you'll often find at least one person who can understand you when you are shopping or in need of directions.

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