Guignol Et Le Noël Surprise - Théâtre La Maison De Guignol, Lyon

A festive rendezvous at THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL

At THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL, we are delighted to welcome families, friends, and curious newcomers for Guignol et le Noël Surprise, a heartwarming seasonal adventure rooted in Lyon’s beloved tradition. From the moment our red curtain rises, the familiar silhouette of Guignol returns with his irrepressible energy, joined by companions such as Gnafron and Madelon, to stir laughter, complicity, and a generous dose of holiday magic. We celebrate the craftsmanship that defines our house: finely worked marionettes, spirited dialogue, nimble pacing, and a playful rapport with the audience that invites children to answer, gasp, and cheer. For us, the holidays are about togetherness, and this new chapter brings twinkling winter decor, mischievous surprises, and a story guided by kindness and courage—qualities that have endeared Guignol to Lyon for generations. Whether you are discovering our theatre for the first time or returning as part of a family tradition, the show’s blend of wit, rhythm, and visual poetry is designed to gather all ages around a shared, joyful moment.

Presenting Guignol on our stage is always an encounter between heritage and fresh inspiration. Our puppeteers and creative team draw on the living memory of the canut spirit—sharp humor, generosity of heart, and a keen sense of justice—while refining the craft with updated staging, carefully built sets, and a musical palette that paints the season in bright, warm tones. This year, our artistic life continues to thrive with new scripts for younger audiences, weekend performances that fit family schedules, and school-time matinees accompanied by pedagogical conversations about the history of glove puppets in Lyon. We devote rehearsal time to gesture and voice so that every scene breathes with spontaneity; we also care for our workshop of carved figures, maintaining historical characters and introducing new faces that meet today’s sensibilities. As a venue, we take pride in offering clear sightlines for little ones, a welcoming front-of-house team, and an atmosphere where laughter and curiosity are our guiding lights. Guignol et le Noël Surprise is the centerpiece of our seasonal programming, and it is crafted to sparkle without losing the authenticity that makes Guignol unmistakably ours.

Why Guignol et le Noël Surprise belongs on your holiday calendar

Guignol et le Noël Surprise unfolds like a festive treasure hunt: small mysteries bloom into big revelations, pranks give way to generosity, and the spirit of sharing ultimately does what it always does at THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL—bring the room together. Expect quick-fire repartee, a few deliciously villainous twists, and that uniquely Lyonnais cadence that lets parents relish the wordplay while children revel in the action. Our staging nods to local imagery with winter streets and glowing windows, and our puppeteers keep the tempo playful and precise so that each entrance lands with verve. The production speaks to the season—anticipation, mischief, and the joy of giving—without ever losing the cheeky charm of Guignol. From a practical point of view, we shape the experience to be accessible for first-time theatre-goers and equally satisfying for returning enthusiasts: a compact running time, an engaging chorus of audience responses, and a finale that sends families back into the Lyon night warmed by laughter. We look forward to welcoming you to THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL, where Guignol et le Noël Surprise renews a tradition that belongs to everyone who loves stories told with heart, humor, and a nimble pair of wooden hands.