The Théâtre Francis Gag, located in the heart of Vieux-Nice, opens its new 2026–2027 season with a varied programme of theatre, music and live performance. Throughout October, audiences can discover eight appointments ranging from family-friendly musical theatre and jazz to contemporary writing, solo performances and an unusual horror comedy.

Part of the Pôle Théâtre et arts vivants de Nice, the Théâtre Francis Gag places contemporary creation, accessibility and encounters with audiences at the centre of its programme.

The October calendar begins with two free events at the end of September before continuing with six performances throughout the month.

October 2026 at the Théâtre Francis Gag: the programme

Les 12 Notes — October 7

The October programme officially begins on Wednesday, October 7 at 2:30 pm with Les 12 Notes, a musical theatre production by Jérémy Lemaire, aimed at children aged five and over.

The story follows a shy young boy who, while trying to escape a group of bullies, accidentally enters an old music shop run by a grumpy and lonely pianist. An unexpected friendship develops between the two characters: the young student discovers music and learns to stand up for himself, while his mentor gradually rediscovers his joy in life.

Together, they must confront a businessman with questionable intentions and an unscrupulous rapper.

Produced by Compagnie Au Sud De Nulle Part, with co-production by Oléa Compagnie Méditerranéenne, the one-hour performance combines music, storytelling and themes of friendship and self-confidence.

Tu connais la chanson ? — October 10

On Saturday, October 10 at 8 pm, the Théâtre Francis Gag presents Tu connais la chanson ?, a poetic and musical stand-up performance by Louis Caratini and Charlotte Adrien.

The concept is built around a lively musical quiz: audiences are invited to guess who wrote some of the best-known French-language songs.

Pianist and singer Louis Caratini leads the evening with a charismatic performance that combines humour, music and a closer look at the literary richness of French songs.

The show, lasting approximately one hour and twenty minutes, is suitable for both general audiences and families. It was also spotted at the Avignon Festival by the Cercle de Midi – Chainon Manquant network.

Novecento: Pianiste — October 16

On Friday, October 16 at 8 pm, the programme turns to Alessandro Baricco’s celebrated story Novecento: Pianiste.

The musical theatre production brings to the stage the legend of Novecento, a pianist said to have been born and raised aboard a cruise ship without ever setting foot on land.

Combining poetry, humour and music, the story unfolds through the memories of the pianist’s best friend and a colourful gallery of characters.

Kalahan Hamon and Laure Sauret perform Baricco’s text in a vivid theatrical setting accompanied by a pianist-percussionist duo.

The production by Compagnie Bleu Lemon received a special prize at the Festival Scènes d’Automne 2025.

Rosa, Jazz & Bossa — October 17

Music takes centre stage on Saturday, October 17 at 8 pm with Rosa, Jazz & Bossa, a concert dedicated to Brazilian composer and songwriter Noel Rosa.

Although he died at just 26, Noel Rosa played a major role in the development of samba and influenced musicians including Tom Jobim and João Gilberto. His songs portray everyday life in Rio de Janeiro with humour and tenderness.

For this tribute, Nice-based pianist Jo Kaiat joins Brazilian singer Jussanam, who is based in Cannes.

Kaiat, known for his interest in jazz and world rhythms, has collaborated with musicians including Avishai Cohen and Noam David. Together with Jussanam, he brings a Brazilian-inspired musical evening to the Théâtre Francis Gag.

The concert lasts approximately one hour and ten minutes.

On ne jouait pas à la pétanque dans le ghetto de Varsovie — October 22

On Thursday, October 22 at 8 pm, the Théâtre Francis Gag presents On ne jouait pas à la pétanque dans le ghetto de Varsovie, a solo performance written and performed by Éric Feldman.

Nominated for the 2026 Molières in the Solo Performance category, the show explores the history of Feldman’s own family and its experience as survivors of the Holocaust.

The performance combines personal history, humour and reflection. Through family memories, Yiddish influences and the spirit of Jewish-American comedians, Feldman examines questions surrounding history, memory and the human experience.

The result is an autofiction that moves between laughter and more intimate moments while placing a deeply personal family story within a broader historical context.

The performance lasts approximately one hour and twenty minutes.

Bienvenue à Mortepeine — October 23

The October programme continues on Friday, October 23 at 8 pm with Bienvenue à Mortepeine, a horror comedy written by Céline Ansidei.

Two sisters rent a holiday cottage in an isolated hamlet to celebrate one of their birthdays. What is supposed to be a relaxing weekend quickly takes a darker turn.

As night falls, the house becomes increasingly unsettling. A disturbing decoration, ominous warnings, a strange neighbour and a trapdoor in the middle of the living room all contribute to an atmosphere in which it becomes difficult to tell what is paranormal and what might simply be imagination.

Described as a horror comedy where tension meets absurdity, the production is suitable for audiences aged 12 and over.

Bienvenue à Mortepeine received the Best Actor Award at the Festival Scènes d’Automne 2025.

Two free events to open the season

Before the October performances, the Théâtre Francis Gag also hosts two free events at the end of September.

On Tuesday, September 29 at 8 pm, Niki de Saint Phalle, Action-Spectacle offers an interactive clown performance inspired by the work and artistic battles of Niki de Saint Phalle.

Created by Thomas Oudin and Compagnie L’Embrayage à Paillettes, the performance combines humour, interaction and reflection around the artist’s work. The event is part of the M.I.I.M. programme — Médiations Innovantes et Itinérantes du MAMAC de Nice.

The following evening, Wednesday, September 30 at 7 pm, the theatre presents Scènes en papier, a theatrical reading performed by students from the Conservatoire de Nice.

The programme focuses on contemporary writing and features Timlideur (une histoire de militantisme) by Grégoire Vauquois, with the reading directed by Jennifer Maria.

Both events are free and open to all, subject to invitation.

Affordable theatre in Nice: reduced tickets and student prices

The Théâtre Francis Gag also offers several ways to make its programme more accessible.

Reduced rates are available for families, groups, works councils and people with disabilities, according to the theatre’s conditions.

Students, apprentices and BTS students can attend performances for €5.

Young people aged 15 to 20 can also use the Pass Culture, including the Duo offer, which allows them to invite another person to attend selected performances.

A cultural season in the heart of Vieux-Nice

Located at 4 rue de la Croix in Vieux-Nice, the Théâtre Francis Gag is part of Nice’s wider cultural network, alongside museums, the opera, cinemas, libraries, art centres and other cultural institutions.

Its October 2026 programme reflects the diversity of live performance in Nice, moving from children’s theatre and musical storytelling to Brazilian jazz, contemporary theatre, autobiographical performance and horror comedy.

For audiences looking for cultural events in Nice in October 2026, the Théâtre Francis Gag offers a programme that brings together different generations, artistic disciplines and formats in an intimate setting in the historic centre of the city.

Practical information

Théâtre Francis Gag
4 rue de la Croix, Vieux-Nice
Tel. +33 (0)4 92 00 78 50
Email: theatre.fgag@ville-nice.fr

Public transport and nearby parking are available, and the theatre provides access for people with reduced mobility.

For tickets, invitations and the latest programme information, audiences can consult the theatre’s official communication channels and website.

Théâtre Francis Gag October 2026: dates at a glance

• September 29, 8 pm — Niki de Saint Phalle, Action-Spectacle — Free
• September 30, 7 pm — Scènes en papier — Free
• October 7, 2:30 pm — Les 12 Notes
• October 10, 8 pm — Tu connais la chanson ?
• October 16, 8 pm — Novecento: Pianiste
• October 17, 8 pm — Rosa, Jazz & Bossa
• October 22, 8 pm — On ne jouait pas à la pétanque dans le ghetto de Varsovie
• October 23, 8 pm — Bienvenue à Mortepeine

From music and comedy to family theatre and powerful personal stories, the Théâtre Francis Gag’s October 2026 programme offers a broad introduction to the new season in Nice.