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

Mon Premier Guignol at SALLE 2 - THEATRE MAISON DE GUIGNOL

We are delighted to welcome families, first-time theatergoers, and lifelong admirers of Lyon’s beloved character into SALLE 2 - THEATRE MAISON DE GUIGNOL for Mon Premier Guignol. From our vantage point as the host venue, this production has been crafted as an ideal gateway to the world of Guignol: visually bright, rhythmically brisk, and perfectly scaled for young audiences while staying true to the century-old spirit that made these tales timeless. In our intimate SALLE 2, the proximity to the stage creates a rare sense of connection—little ones can follow the action closely, participate in the call-and-response, and laugh with abandon as Guignol outwits rascals and gently pokes fun at everyday mischief. The show introduces the key figures of the repertory, with Guignol’s quick wit and sense of justice leading the way, and affectionate nods to companions like Gnafron and Madelon. Everything is designed to feel immediate and generous: the cadence of the dialogue, the clarity of the storytelling, and the precise gesture work that makes hand-crafted puppets feel wonderfully alive. Our team prepares SALLE 2 to support that liveliness with warm lighting, crisp sound, and seating that favors clear sightlines for children and their accompanying adults. The result is a welcoming, playful encounter with tradition—an hour in which humor, kindness, and little lessons about courage, friendship, and fairness bloom in the shared glow of live performance.

Our perspective on the season and the artistry behind this family favorite

As a venue that programs Guignol throughout the year, we see firsthand how the Maison’s puppeteers continue to refresh this repertoire while preserving its heart. Mon Premier Guignol occupies a special place in the season: it is both a gentle introduction and a distilled showcase of the craft, a piece where the sculpted woods, painted fabrics, and nimble voices of the performers come to the foreground. The current creative momentum favors clarity for young spectators without losing the playful satire adults cherish; the pacing is nimble, the gags are physical but never heavy, and the language is carefully tuned to invite participation. In SALLE 2 - THEATRE MAISON DE GUIGNOL, that approach shines: the compact stage brings details to life—the sparkle of a costume trim, the flick of Guignol’s cap, the precise beat of a humorous pause. Our staff supports each performance with a family-friendly welcome and attention to practical comforts, allowing caregivers to settle in while children discover the ritual of live theater, from the hush before the first cue to the burst of applause at curtain. We have also noticed how the company’s broader artistic work this season enriches these performances: their regular cycle of family shows keeps the puppetry agile; their restoration of classic episodes ensures that established characters appear with crisp timing; and their fresh scripting for younger audiences brings gentle surprises, making Mon Premier Guignol feel alive, current, and full of small delights. Whether you visit on a weekend afternoon or as part of a school outing, expect a lively exchange between stage and audience, carefully built to invite shouts of encouragement, shared laughter, and the happy chatter that follows children out of the hall. From our side of the curtain, hosting this production in SALLE 2 is a reminder of what theater can do at close range: gather people of different ages in a room, and make them conspire—kindly and joyfully—with a wooden hero who has been standing up for cleverness and kindness for generations.