Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Théâtre libre, originally named Eldorado then Comédia, is a theatre located at 4 boulevard de Strasbourg in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. Built in 1858 by architect Charles Duval at the site of the former Pellier Manège, it opened its doors on December 30 of the same year. Too luxurious for his time, he went bankrupt before being bought in 1862 by Lorge, who turned him into a café-concert under the name of Eldorado, eliminating baskets and compulsory consumption. Theresa, a future star of the genre, began there that year, followed by artists such as Antoine Renard, who created Le Temps des cherries in 1868.

Under the leadership of the German spouses, the Eldorado hosts stars such as Éléonore Bonnaire, Mistinguett, or Dranem, who remains there 21 years. In 1893, a double cupola metal marquise was added to the entrance, and the establishment evolved into a music hall, even projecting films in 1896. Maurice Chevalier and Raimu performed there before the singing towers were replaced by light comedy in 1920. The theatre was completely rebuilt in 1932 by Pierre Dubreuil to become a 2,000-seat cinema, before closing in 1981 and converting to theatre and opera.

The Comédia, which was partially listed at the Historic Monuments in 1981 with the 20th Century Heritage label, underwent several renovations, one in 1994. In 2000, it was renamed by its owner Maurice Molina. Damaged by a partial collapse of the ceiling in 2011, it was bought in 2013 by Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière and Michel Lumbroso to produce musicals such as Mistinguett, queen of the crazy years or Aladin. Since 2017, under the direction of Jean-Marc Dumontet, he has been known as Théâtre libre.

Its history reflects the evolution of Parisian leisure, from café-concert to cinema and music-hall, while welcoming major figures from the French show. The hall, marked by architectural transformations and changes in vocation, remains a must-see cultural place in the 10th arrondissement.

External links