What if, instead of heading out to clubs, restaurants, or bars, you treated yourself to a great play? Perfect timing, as Nantes is overflowing with all kinds of theaters: big or small venues, university theaters, café theaters... You have so many options to choose from to catch a play or a comedy show in a setting that's a refreshing change from the overly large and sanitized Zéniths and Congress Centers.
The Café Theater Company
This article had to kick off with one of Nantes' iconic venues, and for two reasons. Firstly, it celebrates the comedic and theatrical scene in Nantes, particularly with its school. Secondly, this intimate venue regularly hosts recognized artists who come to try out their new shows, much to the delight of the local audience. And let’s not forget the bar that opens up to a lovely courtyard.paved area, and you’ve got the perfect combo for a lovely evening.
The Café Theatre Company
6 Rue des Carmélites - Nantes
The Beaulieu Theatre
The Beaulieu Theatre is the headquarters of the Company Even If Not, founded in 2001. This group of friends has grown into a professional company, regularly engaging Nantes actors. Located in the Sémaphore amphitheater on Boulevard Vincent Gâche, this place transforms every weekend into the Beaulieu Theatre, inviting you to discover the great classics of comedy from yesterday and today.
Le Théâtre Beaulieu
9 Boulevard Vincent Gâche - Nantes
Le Théâtre de Poche Graslin
Step into a cozy red and black atmosphere at the Théâtre de Poche Graslin, right in the heart of Nantes. Expect comedies, humor, musical theatre, contemporary performances, and plenty of surprises throughout the year. There are also original creations on offer, along with theatre classes for anyone tempted to take the stage!
Le Théâtre de Poche Graslin
5 Rue Lekain - Nantes
Le Théâtre de Jeanne
Le Théâtre de Jeanne is a 125-seat performance venue with a warm and cozy atmosphere, located right at the foot of Butte Sainte-Anne in Nantes. This theater specializes in comedy and offers shows 100% comedy 5 nights a week. They also have a wonderful program for young audiences.
Le Théâtre de Jeanne
5 Rue des Salorges - Nantes
Le Théâtre 100 Noms
Located in the Hangar à Bananes, Le Théâtre 100 Noms is an iconic performance venue on the Île de Nantes, inaugurated in 2013. Unlike other modern theaters and performance spaces, this one is designed in the spirit of a 17th-century Italian theater. In this 340-seat hall with grandstands and golden ornaments, you can enjoy comedies, one-man shows, humorous concerts, children’s performances, and more!
Le Théâtre 100 Noms
21 Quai des Antilles - Nantes
Le Théâtre du Sphinx
Founded in 1989, the Théâtre du Sphinx is the only non-subsidized theater in Nantes. This independent venue invites you to experience the magic of this unique place right in the heart of Nantes. The theater has its own company and hosts various workshops for teenagers and adults of all levels. Contemporary theater, comedy, cinema club, concerts, songs, dance, ... Here’s what you can discover there!
Le Théâtre du Sphinx
9 Rue Monteil - Nantes
Le Terrain Neutre Théâtre (TNT)
Le Terrain Neutre Théâtre, or TNT, is described as a stage for artistic discoveries. Founded in 1998 by actors, it was taken over in 2007 by the Désir des Arts association. This venue champions humanistic values and highlights the creators in the area. The three main focuses of the establishment are making live performances accessible to everyone, supporting artistic education, and fostering creation. Le Terrain Neutre Théâtre features a 100m² auditorium, 500 performances, and welcomes 20,000 spectators each season.
Le Terrain Neutre Théâtre (TNT)
11 Allée de la Maison Rouge - Nantes
Le TU-Nantes
The TU, or university theater, offers each season a program that blends theater and dance, showcasing a high artistic quality and new discoveries for the audience. Both professional and student companies love to perform at the TU. Its 320-seat auditorium allows the audience to enjoy performances in optimal visibility and acoustic conditions.
Le TU-Nantes
Chemin de la Censive du Tertre - Nantes
The Cyclops Theatre
Located in the heart of Nantes, the Cyclops Theatre offers the Nantes public its creations, as well as theatre classes for adults, teenagers, and children. This warm cultural space provides a varied program: theatre, French song, clowning, puppetry, exhibitions, dance, circus arts, children's shows, and more!
Le Théâtre du Cyclope
82 Rue Maréchal Joffre - Nantes
La Ruche
La Ruche is the small theater of Viarme. Opened in January 2013, it offers a rich and varied program featuring local authors and artists. Besides being a performance venue, it also hosts numerous artist projects, as well as theater workshops from Monday to Wednesday. Its cozy and intimate hall showcases Nantes' creativity and expertly blends music, theater, literature, dance, puppetry, visual arts, and even magic.
La Ruche
8 Rue Félibien - Nantes
ONYX
Created in 1988 in Saint-Herblain, and designed by Jean Nouvel and Myrto Vitart, this large black cube intrigues passersby, but have you taken the time to explore it? It hosts dance performances, musicals, circus shows, theater, and events for young audiences. This venue can accommodate over 1000 people.
ONYX
1 Océane Square - Saint-Herblain