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

Mon Premier Guignol at SALLE 2 - THEATRE MAISON DE GUIGNOL

At SALLE 2 - THEATRE MAISON DE GUIGNOL, we are delighted to open our doors to families and first-time theatregoers with Mon Premier Guignol, a joyous initiation into Lyon’s beloved puppet tradition. On our intimate stage, the classic characters—Guignol, Gnafron, and Madelon—spring to life with the vigor, cheek, and generosity that have made them cornerstones of popular theatre for generations. The show is shaped for young audiences, but it never talks down to them; instead, it invites curiosity, laughter, and the thrill of discovery. From the first drum roll behind the castelet to the last call-and-response with the children, Mon Premier Guignol celebrates handcrafted artistry: painted backdrops, nimble strings and rods, and live voices that keep the rhythm buoyant. Our SALLE 2 setting enhances proximity and shared energy, allowing every whisper and gasp to carry, and every joke to land with sparkling immediacy. It’s a gentle, vivid way to make a “first time” in theatre feel magical, communal, and proudly Lyonnais.

Our stage, our season, and the living craft of puppetry

As a venue devoted to this heritage, we have shaped our season around encounters between tradition and today’s imagination. The artists of La Maison de Guignol continue to refine scenarios that make space for improvisation and audience participation, keeping performances nimble and responsive to the room. Their current creative work favors brisk storytelling, clear moral horizons, and comic timing that children grasp instantly while adults relish the double entendres and local color. In rehearsals and showings, the troupe has been polishing new sequences that enrich character arcs without losing the robust simplicity that defines Guignol’s world: mischief corrected by kindness, wit defeating bluster, solidarity rewarding the brave. Alongside the stage craft, attention to sound—live voices, small percussive effects, and the cadence of the dialogues—creates a physically alive experience. We see, night after night, how these choices help younger spectators navigate their emotions: to laugh freely, sidestep fear, and discover that theatre is a safe space for big feelings.

Presenting Mon Premier Guignol in SALLE 2 - THEATRE MAISON DE GUIGNOL also means offering an encounter with artisanship from up close. Our backstage teams prepare the castelet with care, install painted flats that suggest bustling streets and cozy kitchens, and keep the machinery as visible as is helpful for curious eyes—because initiation is not only about watching the story but also about understanding how stories are made. For families, this proximity transforms a simple outing into a memorable ritual: arriving early to settle in, whispering questions as characters appear, and carrying the songs, refrains, and catchphrases home. Our programming continues throughout the season with family-friendly time slots and school-time performances designed to support teachers who introduce the performing arts in class. Whether you come from Lyon or discover the city through its most emblematic figure, Mon Premier Guignol on our stage offers a bright, compact, and deeply human experience—one that honors the city’s legacy while opening a door to a lifetime of theatre.