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

Holiday magic with Guignol at THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL

At THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL, we are delighted to welcome families, longtime aficionados, and curious first‑timers for Guignol et le Noël Surprise, a festive adventure rooted in the living tradition of Lyon’s most beloved puppet. Presented in our intimate theatre in the heart of Vieux Lyon, the show brings together the hallmarks that audiences love: quick-witted banter, playful mischief, and generous audience participation that invites children to shout warnings and celebrate victories alongside the characters. With hand-crafted figures, painted sets that sparkle with wintry charm, and rhythmic cues that keep the story moving, our team shapes a holiday tale where kindness and solidarity shine. Whether you know Guignol, Gnafron, and Madelon by heart or you are discovering them for the first time, Guignol et le Noël Surprise captures the mischievous energy that has defined the Lyonnais hero since the days of Laurent Mourguet, while offering fresh humor tailored to today’s families. Expect laughter, a touch of suspense, and the warm glow of a seasonal story that feels at home in our historic venue.

The artist’s current season and creative momentum

As a venue devoted to preserving and renewing Guignol’s legacy, we are proud to present a season that spotlights our resident puppeteers at their most inventive. This year’s artistic momentum is palpable in the workshop as new scenic elements, lighting cues, and musical stingers are refined to heighten the tempo of each scene. Our team continues to craft and restore wooden figures using traditional techniques, letting the grain, weight, and articulation shape the performance’s distinctive rhythm. Between school matinees, weekend family slots, and special holiday performances, the company sustains a lively schedule that keeps the characters agile and responsive to the audience’s reactions. The practical artistry—voice work that shifts with a flick of the wrist, percussion that punctuates a joke, and choreographed entrances timed to children’s shouts—translates into shows that feel both meticulously prepared and joyfully spontaneous. In keeping with our mission, we also host educational encounters and post-show moments where young spectators discover how a costume, a string, or a clever prop can transform a scene. All of these threads meet in Guignol et le Noël Surprise, which distills the season’s creative research into a bright, generous story for the holidays.

Guignol et le Noël Surprise is designed to be as immersive as it is welcoming. From the first curtain rise, the stage architecture guides the eye with layered foregrounds that allow surprise entrances and comedic reveals, while the sound design adds sleigh-bell sparkle and the bustle of festive streets. The storyline celebrates the spirit of giving without losing Guignol’s signature cheekiness: a missing gift might spark a chase, a misunderstanding may lead to a clever trick, and an unexpected ally—human or animal—often helps set things right. Our puppeteers relish the musicality of speech, leaning into rhythms that make children anticipate punchlines and grown-ups enjoy the finesse of double entendres. In the room, you will feel why THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL remains a treasured gathering place: sightlines are close and clear, the scale invites interaction, and the company’s rapport with the audience turns each performance into a unique exchange. Throughout the holiday period, multiple performances allow families to choose a convenient moment to share the experience; and for those returning year after year, subtle variations keep the show bubbling with new energy. We look forward to welcoming you into the warmth of our theatre, where tradition and renewal meet under the festive lights of Guignol et le Noël Surprise.