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

At THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL, we are thrilled to welcome families and curious visitors for the sparkling holiday adventure Guignol et le Noël Surprise. From our intimate stage, the beloved Lyonnais hero springs to life with quick wit, generous mischief, and an open invitation for the audience to join in. This seasonal story celebrates sharing, kindness, and the joy of unexpected gifts, all expressed through the unmistakable rhythm of Guignol’s repartee and the lively bustle of his friends. In our house, the puppeteers’ craftsmanship is close enough to feel every beat of the tale: the snap of the baton, the gleam of hand-painted scenery, and the musical cues that carry young spectators from laughter to suspense and back again. We cherish this tradition not just because it is part of Lyon’s identity, but because it creates a space where generations meet—grandparents hearing echoes of their own childhood visits, parents rediscovering the sparkle of play, and children answering Guignol in unison as he sets the festive mood.

A living Lyonnais tradition on our stage

Presenting Guignol at THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL is more than programming; it is a duty of care to a living tradition. The brisk tempo of the dialogues, the nimble choreography behind the castelet, and the way Guignol addresses the room directly are all designed for our compact, warm venue, where every reaction is heard and every joke lands with clarity. You can expect vivid characters—spirited friends, blustering adversaries, and a dash of Noël magic—animated by performers who balance slapstick with tender moments. Our lighting and sound are tailored for young ears and eyes, highlighting the contours of the action without overwhelming the senses. The storytelling is crystal clear for children while still sparkling with double meanings and local references that please adults. This is the hallmark of our stagecraft: a conversation between past and present that keeps Guignol fresh. We take particular pride in the audience’s role, inviting responses and cheers that turn a performance into a shared celebration—an ideal setting for the festive season.

Season updates from our resident troupe

As a home stage for the art of Guignol, we work year-round with our resident puppeteers to shape new adventures, refine favorite repertoires, and add seasonal touches that speak to today’s audiences. While Guignol et le Noël Surprise anchors our winter calendar, the same inventive spirit guides the troupe throughout the year, with stories that explore friendship, everyday courage, and the playful satire that made Guignol famous. Our programming emphasizes accessibility for first-time spectators while rewarding longtime fans with subtle winks to Lyon’s neighborhoods, workaday heroes, and timeless figures. Families will find performances scheduled at times that suit young audiences, and visitors from outside Lyon quickly discover how the wit and rhythm of Guignol transcend language through gesture, music, and call-and-response. We encourage guests to arrive ready to join in; a Guignol show lives fully only when the room speaks back. Whether you return every season or discover our theatre for the first time, this holiday run brings the troupe’s most convivial energy to the fore, showcasing the finesse of their puppetry and the generosity of their storytelling on the cozy stage of THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL.