the best places of humor
A scene of laughter in Lyon? Lyon Capitale’s selection of the best places, between café-théâtre and comedy club, to enjoy Lyon’s comedy scene.
Between one-man-show, alone on stage, improvisation or stand-up, Lyon’s comedy scene is flourishing. Nevertheless, if there is an audience for this scene, many Lyonnais are not familiar with it. The teams of Lyon Capital have therefore decided to make a selection of some of the best places of humor in Lyon.
Opened in 1987 in the heart of Old Lyon, the Gerson space has a history in the capital of Gaul. On its stage have succeeded big names in humor, such as Gad Elmaleh or Florence Foresti, but also young comedians who have cut their teeth there.
With its 120-seat room and its bar area for 40 people, the café-théâtre can also be rented for events. For young audiences, the Gerson Comédie Club also reserves a program that is intended for them.
- The Lair of Comedy
On the border between theater and stand-up, this café-théâtre wishes to offer the best of both worlds, neither elitist nor vulgar. With shows accessible to 12-year-olds and performances dedicated to young people on weekends, Le Repaire de la Comédie targets a family audience. On stage, the actors seek to talk about reality while unhooking themselves from it for the duration of the show.
Anchored for more than twelve years in the slopes of the Croix-Rousse, the theater welcomes actors from all over France, but also from Switzerland, although the majority of performances are provided by Lyonnais. Wednesday is an opportunity for the establishment to offer a special program with a choice of improvisation troupes or favorite theater shows.
Opened in May 2022 to complete the entertainment offer of the OL Vallée complex, the Théâtre à l’Ouest is one of the new places on the Lyon comedy scene. With two rooms, including a large one that can accommodate nearly 400 people, the theater hosts performances by artists on tour throughout France.
The Théâtre à l’Ouest also has a cocktail bar and a dining room. In the small room, the Comedy Club, it is even possible to eat during the show. On the artistic program, there is a selection for young audiences in order to appeal to families.
- The Café-Theater Complex
Another theater with historical roots, the Complex celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2022. In its two halls, the Complex hosts comedy shows, “alones on stage” and a stand-up party. Nevertheless, the establishment plans to increase its stand-up offer with a weekly appointment at the start of the next school year. Le Complexe is also a tapas bar with a very affordable menu.
In addition to the café-théâtre, the Complex runs a school that welcomes around a hundred students throughout the year. Registration is open for groups of children from 6 years old and adult lessons.
- Comedy Club Star Seeds
Comedy Club Villeurbannais, the Graines de star has the particularity of trying to give everyone a chance. The future of Lyon humor is likely to be there. With a group of resident comedians, the public can follow the evolution of the troupe throughout their shows. Some scenes are also beginner-only for those who want to try their hand at humor.
With one man shows, sets of comedians and special evenings, the café-théâtre offers formulas that are renewed.