Les Vacances De Monsieur Guignol

A warm welcome from THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL

From our stage in the heart of Vieux Lyon, THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL is delighted to present Les Vacances de Monsieur Guignol, a sunny, mischievous adventure tailor-made for families and curious theatre lovers. As the historic home of Lyon’s beloved canut with the quick wit and big heart, we champion the living tradition of glove puppetry born in the early nineteenth century and renew it for today’s audiences. Our resident artists continue an active season shaped by craftsmanship, rhythm, and the joyful call-and-response that defines the Guignol spirit. With each production, we refine the balance between heritage and invention: hand-crafted figures, bright décor evoking the city’s lanes and markets, and contemporary storytelling that speaks to children and adults alike. This new outing captures the playful promise of time off—an escape that turns into a carousel of surprises—while staying true to the character’s irrepressible sense of justice, his friendship with Gnafron, and the tender wisdom of Madelon. We invite you to take your seats, lean in, and let the curtain rise on an experience that is both deeply Lyonnais and open to the world.

What to expect from Les Vacances de Monsieur Guignol

Les Vacances de Monsieur Guignol takes a simple premise—Guignol deciding to enjoy a much-deserved break—and transforms it into a fast-paced journey through misunderstandings, small-town bravado, and generous laughter. From our vantage point backstage, we can attest to the care that has gone into every cue: the rhythmic entrances that nudge the audience to respond in unison, the perfectly timed surprises that spark giggles, and the subtle visual jokes hidden in the décor. Expect appearances from familiar accomplices who bring out Guignol’s best and cheekiest sides, expect a suitcase that seems to grow heavier with every scene, and expect playful detours that might lead to the countryside, a bustling promenade, or an imagined seaside. The language, tinged with local expressions, keeps the texture of Lyon alive, while the staging ensures clarity and momentum for young ears. Children are invited to lend their voices—warning of a lurking trickster or cheering when Guignol finds his courage—while adults will relish the sly nods to everyday life. Our team has crafted sound effects that dance with the action and color palettes that change with the weather of the story, wrapping spectators in an atmosphere of holiday lightness and city smarts.

Behind the scenes, our artistic activity continues to grow around this production. THEATRE LA MAISON DE GUIGNOL sustains an ever-evolving repertoire that alternates seasonal adventures with timeless episodes from Guignol’s world, giving our audiences the thrill of novelty alongside the comfort of tradition. The performers’ rehearsal process keeps improvisation alive within a carefully honed structure; no two performances are exactly the same, because our artists listen closely to the room, shaping pace and emphasis to the responses they hear. Between shows, the company advances new scripts that explore friendship, resourcefulness, and the small injustices Guignol loves to right, all while holding fast to the clarity and buoyant humor that make these stories accessible to first-time visitors and regulars. We also nurture educational moments around the craft itself: the articulation of a glove puppet, the musicality of speech, the visual vocabulary of Lyon’s districts, and the poetic power of a well-placed “coup de bâton” that sets the world back in order. Our intimate venue offers excellent sightlines for little ones, crisp acoustics for the nimble dialogue, and the warm proximity that makes every reaction part of the show. With Les Vacances de Monsieur Guignol, we invite you to share a lively tradition, refreshed and reimagined on our stage.