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

Guignol et les Trois Dragons at THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL

From our intimate stage in the heart of Vieux Lyon, THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL is delighted to welcome audiences for Guignol et les Trois Dragons, a new adventure that celebrates the wit, courage, and irrepressible humor of Lyon’s most beloved puppet. Rooted in the tradition founded by Laurent Mourguet in the early nineteenth century, our production sets Guignol’s quick thinking against a trio of fantastical dragons, weaving a tale that is both thrilling for children and richly layered for adults. Our puppeteers—masters of gesture, timing, and character—bring to life a colorful world where familiar companions like Gnafron and Madelon meet the unexpected. Expect the rhythmic interplay of call-and-response, sharp repartee, and the kind of audience participation that has long been a hallmark of Guignol’s spirited performances. With hand-crafted figures, painted backdrops that evoke the streets and rooftops of Lyon, and lighting that paints each scene with warmth and contrast, the show honors its heritage while embracing a fresh, contemporary pace that keeps families leaning forward from the first moment.

As a venue dedicated year-round to Guignol, we curate a season that protects and invigorates this living art form, and Guignol et les Trois Dragons stands as our flagship adventure of the moment. The show highlights the values audiences cherish in Guignol—solidarity, resourcefulness, and good-natured defiance—while offering new comic situations shaped by today’s sensibilities. Our creative team pays close attention to the music of speech and movement: brisk rhythms propel the action, gentle moments allow for emotion, and well-timed surprises invite laughter to ripple across the room. Beyond the stage, our artistic program continues to deepen the conversation around puppetry in Lyon: demonstrations that reveal how a tilt of the wrist can change a character’s mood, behind-the-scenes exchanges about carving and costuming, and educational encounters that connect younger audiences to the city’s history through Guignol’s eyes. Whether you are discovering the character for the first time or returning with fond memories, you will find fresh energy in the troupe’s nuanced manipulations, agile voices, and playful dialogue that rewards careful listeners.

A venue’s-eye view of a living Lyonnais tradition

At THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL, we think of every performance as a conversation with the neighborhood: the cobblestones outside, the murmurs before the curtain rises, the sense that something hand-made and immediate is about to happen. Guignol et les Trois Dragons amplifies that feeling, inviting the audience to help Guignol outwit danger with the classic Lyonnais blend of candor and cleverness. Families will appreciate a compact, family-friendly running time and clear narrative, while connoisseurs can savor the craftsmanship of the wooden figures, the finely tuned comic beats, and the tradition’s satirical edge—lightly worn yet unmistakable. The staging invites children to speak up, cheer, and laugh with Guignol as he navigates dragon diplomacy and mischievous twists, while adults enjoy the double-entendres and social observations that have kept the character relevant for generations. We pride ourselves on the closeness between stage and seats here: every expression reads, every aside lands, and by the final scene, the bond between performers and public feels as much a part of the story as the sets and props. Join us to experience how a centuries-old Lyonnais icon renews himself in the glow of the footlights, night after night.