Guignol Et Les Trois Dragons - Théâtre La Maison De Guignol, Lyon

A New Chapter for Lyon’s Beloved Marionette

At THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL, we are delighted to welcome families, schools, and curious visitors to discover Guignol et les Trois Dragons, a fresh, spirited adventure anchored in Lyon’s living puppet tradition. On our intimate stage in the heart of the city, Guignol’s quick wit, plucky courage, and irrepressible sense of justice face an unusual challenge: not one, not two, but three dragons whose presence sparks laughter, suspense, and just the right pinch of mischief. Our team has shaped a staging designed for close-up magic—craftsmanship you can feel in every gesture, from the snap of a rod to the shimmering of hand-painted scales under the lights. With a tempo that alternates between playful banter and breathless chases, the production invites young spectators to cheer, respond, and join in, while adults rediscover the satirical sparkle that has made Guignol a cultural treasure. Expect colorful scenography, richly textured costumes, and a soundscape that underscores each comic twist and brave turn, all calibrated to our venue’s warm acoustics and impeccable sightlines.

What to Expect at THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL

Our house prides itself on curating productions that honor tradition while engaging today’s audiences, and Guignol et les Trois Dragons exemplifies this approach. The creative team embraces the art of live manipulation with a clarity that showcases the puppeteers’ mastery: precise timing, expressive silhouettes, and a dramaturgy that leverages rhythm and surprise. The dragons themselves—each with a distinct temperament—become partners in comedy and catalysts for Guignol’s resourcefulness, inviting themes of community, empathy, and problem-solving without ever losing the joy of play. We have tailored the show’s transitions to our stage’s architecture, allowing fluid changes of setting that carry spectators from a bustling square to glimmering grottos and back again, all in the blink of an eye. As a venue, we champion accessibility and conviviality; our staff is on hand to assist families and first-time theatre-goers, and our programming is arranged to make cultural discovery welcoming and memorable. After the curtain, conversations often continue in the foyer as children compare their favorite moments—proof that the energy of the performance lingers beyond the final laugh.

Beyond this production, the artist behind our beloved marionette continues to enliven the season with new stories, refined techniques, and a deep commitment to artisanal excellence. Our workshop keeps the tradition vibrant by refreshing the repertoire with contemporary themes—friendship across differences, care for the natural world, and the importance of speaking up—while preserving the crisp humor and social zing that have always defined Guignol. We regularly host school matinees and family sessions that pair performances with behind-the-scenes insights, nurturing a hands-on understanding of puppetry: how voices are sculpted, how a simple tilt of a head can convey emotion, and how music and rhythm cue collective laughter. In Guignol et les Trois Dragons, these skills come to the fore through musical cues, percussion accents, and playful call-and-response passages that turn the audience into a chorus of encouragement. From our vantage point as THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL, it is a joy to see generations share the same bursts of surprise and delight; the production is crafted to spark wonder in the youngest spectators while giving seasoned fans a reminder of why this figure remains an icon of Lyon—nimble, outspoken, and gloriously alive on our stage.