Beneath that statue of Edward VII, do you notice the theatre bearing his name? Thêatre Édouard VII stands as a testament to a unique bond between Britain and France. It is located between the Madeleine and the Opéra Garnier. This theatre is not just a building. It is a stage for Parisian cultural history.
The Thêatre Édouard VII was built in 1913. It was designed by architect W.G.R Sprague. The theatre was named after King Edward VII of England. He was known as the most Parisian and francophile of British monarchs. The location was previously occupied by the stables.
Initially, the Thêatre Édouard VII screened films using kinemacolor. This process brought color images to the screen. Charles Urban chose this location because of its proximity to the Grand Café. The Lumière brothers had presented their cinematograph there.
However, the cinematic venture was short-lived. In 1916, Alphonse Franck took over. He transformed the space into a 700-seat theatre. The opening show was the revue All Right!. This marked the beginning of Thêatre Édouard VII as a venue for light entertainment.
Sacha Guitry’s arrival in 1920 marked a golden era for the Thêatre Édouard VII. He collaborated with his father Lucien and wife Yvonne Printemps. Together, they captivated Paris. Plays such as Je t’aime and L’amour masqué became iconic.
The late 1920s brought challenges. The rise of talking films threatened the theatre’s existence. Despite this, Thêatre Édouard VII played a crucial role in defending private Parisian theatre. They even threatened a “spectacle strike”.
The Thêatre Édouard VII briefly returned to being a cinema in 1931. However, in 1940, it was revived as a theatre. After World War II, Pierre Bréteille’s controversial production of Andromaque made headlines. In 1949, Jean Cocteau created a French version of A Streetcar Named Desire.
Throughout the years, numerous directors shaped the theatre’s identity. These include Elizabeth Hijar, Raymond Rouleau, and Bernard Murat. In 2001, a major renovation equipped the theatre with modern amenities.
Today, Pascal Legros manages the Thêatre Édouard VII. He continues to stage significant and original plays. The theatre remains a symbol of Parisian theatrical innovation. It blends classic works with contemporary productions.
The Thêatre Édouard VII stands as a bridge between eras. It is a place where the echoes of history resonate. It combines with the vibrant energy of modern performance. Take a moment to appreciate its contribution to the city’s cultural landscape. The theatre provides both access for people with reduced mobility. The Thêatre Édouard VII is more than a theatre. It is a living story.