Could this unassuming facade on the Rue de Caumartin really be the birthplace of theatrical legends? This, my friends, is the Com\u00e9die Caumartin. Don’t let its understated elegance fool you. This theatre has witnessed over a century of laughter, drama, and Parisian theatrical history.
The Com\u00e9die Caumartin first opened its doors in 1901. Initially christened “Com\u00e9die-Royale,” it embraced the spirit of boulevard theatre, a genre known for its wit, charm, and satirical take on Parisian life. In 1923, actor and director Ren\u00e9 Rocher bestowed upon it its current name, a name synonymous with quality comedy ever since. Think of the Com\u00e9die Caumartin as the Parisian cousin of London’s West End, a place where laughter reigns supreme.
But the Com\u00e9die Caumartin’s claim to fame goes beyond just its name. It was here, on this very stage in 1960, that a little play called “Boeing-Boeing” took flight. Written by Marc Camoletti, this hilarious tale of a playboy architect juggling three fianc\u00e9es became a global sensation. “Boeing-Boeing” soared on the Com\u00e9die Caumartin’s stage for an impressive two decades before moving on to conquer the world. Imagine the echoes of laughter that must have reverberated through these walls!
While its doors may be temporarily closed, the Com\u00e9die Caumartin remains a beloved Parisian institution. Its legacy of laughter and entertainment continues to echo through the streets of Paris.