Mon Premier Guignol - Le Théâtre La Maison De Guignol, Lyon

Welcoming Mon Premier Guignol to SALLE 2 - THEATRE MAISON DE GUIGNOL

As host venue, we are delighted to present Mon Premier Guignol in SALLE 2 - THEATRE MAISON DE GUIGNOL, our intimate black-box space where families and first-time theatergoers sit just a few steps from the stage. In Lyon, the very birthplace of this beloved puppet tradition, the show is more than an outing; it is a rite of passage that introduces young audiences to the quick wit, generosity, and resilience of Guignol. Our team curates programming that balances heritage with fresh creativity, and this family-friendly staging exemplifies that mission. Crafted for curious minds and small hands eager to wave, laugh, and respond, Mon Premier Guignol keeps the dialogue lively and the tempo gentle. From the moment the curtain rises, children recognize the playful codes of the genre—bright colors, rhythmic gags, and clear storytelling—while adults enjoy the craftsmanship and the nods to local culture that have defined our house for generations.

What makes Mon Premier Guignol special in our season is its warm, participatory spirit. The performance introduces timeless figures that delight audiences in Lyon and beyond: Guignol himself, sharp and resourceful; Gnafron, with his good-humored bluster; and Madelon, whose practical wisdom anchors the action. Their escapades unfold in vibrant tableaux reminiscent of neighborhood squares and shaded courtyards, with props and set pieces that invite the imagination without overwhelming it. Children are encouraged to warn the hero, cheer the triumph of fairness, and share in small acts of courage—those classic call-and-response moments that create an instant bond between stage and seats. The dialogue is crisp and musical, punctuated by playful sound cues and a carefully considered rhythm that supports attention spans while sparking laughter. True to the tradition established by the first artisans of Lyon’s puppet art, the show speaks simply and directly about everyday values: friendship, honesty, and perseverance. At the same time, it embraces the curiosity of today’s families, weaving in gentle touches of contemporary life—a familiar object here, a practical lesson there—without ever straying from the charm and clarity that define a child’s first encounter with theater. This season, our house continues to nurture new scripts and scenic ideas that keep the repertoire lively, ensuring that each visit to SALLE 2 - THEATRE MAISON DE GUIGNOL feels as fresh as it is rooted in history.

Inside the experience at SALLE 2 - THEATRE MAISON DE GUIGNOL

From our vantage point behind the scenes, the joy of Mon Premier Guignol starts before the first line is spoken. SALLE 2 - THEATRE MAISON DE GUIGNOL is arranged so that every seat feels close, creating a shared space where the puppets’ gestures, the sparkle of the costumes, and the rhythm of the action are immediately legible to young viewers. Our staff knows that a first theater outing is a big moment; we shape the experience with clear guidance, child-friendly pacing, and a welcoming atmosphere that lets families settle in and savor the show together. The staging emphasizes expressive movement and clean storytelling, allowing children to follow the plot at a glance while discovering details—tiny props, painted backdrops, sudden surprises—that reward their attention. As part of our broader programming, we continue to support the resident puppeteers’ artistic work through seasonal revivals, new mini-adventures designed for early learners, and encounters that highlight the history and craft of Lyon’s marionettes. That ongoing artistic life is felt on stage: the performers’ timing is crisp, their repartee joyful, and their connection with the audience immediate. In Mon Premier Guignol, the laughter arrives in waves, the morals are kind without being heavy, and the spirit of play is contagious—an ideal entry point for children and a reminder for adults that, in our theater, tradition is not a museum piece but a living conversation.