April 19th, 2012 | 
by Theatre lovers on holiday in France will relish the chance to experience theatre the way the French do it, and there are many theatres located throughout the Dordogne region.
For starters, there’s the La Coupole theatre, which offers something for every taste. In the past, the theatre has hosted such names as singer Pierre Perret, whose ubiquitously cheeky songwriting leaves audiences laughing and blushing! A tribute to Luis Mariano has also appeared, singing some of the late singer’s biggest hits – including ‘Mexico’, ‘Rossignol’ and ‘Knights of the Sky’. Recently, the Aquitaine Company presented a show celebrating France’s most popular songs throughout history and in a similar show, Rainbow Productions put on a French music programme.
It isn’t all about music at La Coupole, as some big names in comedy have appeared too – such as Lawrence Catry and Michael Gregorio. Virginia Hocq is due to appear soon too, as is Patrick Sebastian; the impersonated who has gripped the French audience by storm.
Other theatres in the Dordogne include Krakatoa and Espace Culturel du Pin Galant. The latter boasts everything from variety shows and world music performances, to dance acts. French singer Chimene Badi, the Company Alexandra n’Possee and Marone Maria are all names associated with the theatre, in addition to comedian Sophia Aram.
If you’re not interested in big belly laughs, the Bordeaux National Opera and Ballet House might be a better option. The opera has a history spanning over 100 years and its orchestra is filled with highly-trained, high-quality musicians. The latter takes part in many of France’s most prominent music festivals and covers everything from baroque to contemporary music. The opera’s artistic director, Kawme Ryan, leads the charge and it is funded by the Mayor of Bordeaux.
The national ballet is on the same high level when it comes to quality of performances. Covering a real widespread range of works – from ‘The Messiah’, ‘Adagietto’ and ‘The Four Seasons’ to ‘Coppelia’, ‘Don Quixote’, ‘The Nutcracker’ and ‘Giselle’ – the ballet is so good that it has been awarded the Serge Lifar previously. It has also been awarded Best Foreign Ballet whilst performing in Cuba.
There’s something for lovers of amateur theatre too though in amongst the Dordogne’s offering. The performers of Le Florida, a company based on 47000 Agen, often showcase their work in smaller shoes. Tickets are priced fairly and the shows are diverse. For example, one week it could be a performance from young rappers who have integrated their lives into their lyrics, but the next week Le Florida could showcase the work of a 1920s singer, like Anais. Expressionist rock has been known to make an appearance, in addition to Fleetwood Mac-inspired indie folks Theodore, Paul and Gabriel. More alternative projects like The Summer Camp are often on show too, which delve into things like the aesthetics of sound.
All in all, the Dordogne offers up a rich catalogue of performances – so you are sure to find something during your visit to meet your individual taste.
