[ENQUÊTE] : Parisian cabarets, the secrets of lasting success

These are unique placesenchanters, who manage to leave an indelible mark in the minds of those who go there. Real world apart from where red velvet rubs shoulders with sparkling chandeliers, where prestige merges with intimacy, and where people come to applaud a multitude of arts performed in sumptuous settings, cabarets fascinate as much as they intrigue. “ I like to think they are similar to a case where you place your jewelry the most precious », confides Kathleen Tamisier, sociologist, author and former Crazy Girl⁽¹⁾. The Moulin Rouge, the Paradis Latin, the Crazy Horse, but also the Nouvelle Eve or the César Palace… The names of the greatest Parisian cabarets are known to all and resonate internationally as the hotspots of the party, nightlife and French elegance.

©Sandie Bertrand/Moulin Rouge

Every year, French cabarets attract more than 2,6 millions⁽²⁾ of spectators. But behind this brilliance lies a more complex reality. In 2022, the Accor group pronounces in particular the closure of the emblematic Lido. In June 2024, the cabaret Chez Michou⁽³⁾ which had punctuated the nights of Pigalle since 1956, was forced to close its doors. However, interest in the world of music hall seems stronger than ever in the capital. To continue to raise the curtain every evening and manage to perpetuate their prestigious image, cabarets put many means in place and work daily to reinvent their show and their offering.

The cabaret, a universe of a thousand and one lives

If the common imagination projects the cabaret as a place of spectacle where a series of artistic paintingsit was not always this way. The meaning of term “cabaret” has evolved widely over the years, and in the Middle Ages, the latter designated a drinking establishmentalready with this social function and this friendly atmosphere. It was only from the 16th and 18th centuries that the world of drinking encountered that of representation, thus giving birth to places where artists, writers and intellectuals rub shoulders. Establishments such as Procope, Café de la Régence, or even the Cabaret on rue des Fossés then precede the essential Parisian cabarets such as the Paradis Latin created in 1803 — the oldest Parisian cabaret still in operation — then rebuilt by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 after a fire, the Chat Noir in 1881, the Moulin Rouge in 1889, and later, the Crazy Horse driven by Alain Bernardin on Avenue George V, in 1951.

©Sandie Bertrand/Moulin Rouge

Although Paris is regularly mentioned as the epicenter of the entertainment world in France, the entire country is actually affected. Nationally, there are approximately 260 cabaretsincluding only around thirty in the capital. Near Bordeaux, the Blue Angel is, for example, the largest French cabaret with 1,200 seats. In Kirrwiller, in Alsace, the Royal Palace can accommodate up to 1000 people. “ In the region, cabarets are sometimes the only performance halls and there is real artistic creation », Supports Jean-Victor Clerico, general director of the Moulin rouge who has just celebrated his 135 ans.

Authenticity at the service of modernity

Create, reinvent yourselfrenew itself… To perpetuate itself and continue to seduce the public, the three great Parisian cabarets are clear: we must remain true to its origins by bringing a hint of innovation. “ We must keep what people want to see at the Moulin Rouge, notably the French Cancan. Modernity is in the service of authenticity », explains Jean-Victor Clerico. “ We rely on the foundations and originality of the place created by Bernardin, while modernizing the numbers by integrating, for example, new technologies », adds Kathleen Tamisier. In the same vein, in 2019 Le Paradis latin called on the choreographer and director Kamel Ouali to create The Bird of Paradisea review that reinterprets the spirit of cabaret in a modern way: “ I was inspired by the history of the place by evoking Napoleon and Gustave Eiffelhe explains. Then, I wanted to help myself cabaret codes to transpose them to today's energy, to my universe, and to everything that current events make me want to exploit, like ecology discussed in one of the tables ».

©Lucie Guerra/Le Bonbon

Without being in competition, the three establishments offer different showscomplementary and constantly evolving, meeting the requirements of a clientele as well Ile-de-France and international. « We can go see several cabarets during the week, they will be experiences totally different every time », affirms Jean-Victor Clerico. More classic, the review Fairy performed at the Moulin Rouge since 2000, stands out as the quintessence of traditional cabaretalthough it has undergone many changes in 24 years. On stage, about sixty of dancersimposing sets and important feather costumes make up the four scenes of this unmissable show.

Smaller and more intimate, le Crazy Horse offers an exclusively feminine performance whose signature is “ lnaked body movingsensuality without the slightest vulgarity », underlines Kathleen Tamisier. Resolutely modernthe show uses numerous lighting effects to offer a “ very elegant and ultra contemporary“. In the Latin Paradise, new technologies also have a place of choice. Significant investments have been made in sound and light to allow this “ ultimate viewer experience », so desired by Walter Butler, owner of the place. In unparalleled eclecticism mixing classic and modernity, The Bird of Paradise notably reinvents traditional decors thanks to the use of virtual technology on LED screens, while remaining devoted to the customs of cabaret: “ I wanted to preserve la tradition du music-hall with a French Cancan and a grand finale in white, typical at Paradis Latin », explains Kamel Ouali.

Walter Butler and Kamel Ouali, Paradis Latin ©Alix Malka

A universe in constant renewal

Despitefinancial and artistic challenges which he must face, the world of cabaret is on the rise. “ In this society which is rather standardized, we need glamorto leave the house. The cabaret is an enchanted, joyful, festive and even mischievous interlude », confides Kathleen Tamisier. Always keeping part of their mysterythe Moulin Rouge, the Paradis Latin and the Crazy Horse continue to sell out. “ Cabaret today is fashionable because it is incredibly modern “, says Walter Butler.

At the same time, the capital sees the emergence daily new cabaretsshows, and troupes bringing freshness to this unique discipline. “ There is a newfound interest because It’s a limitless domain.. We can do whatever we want, humor, circus, it's a very broad art », explains Jean-Victor Clerico.

Making it sustainable over time also means initiating the new generations. Since 2022, Paradis Latin has offered a second show, My First Cabaretaimed at young audiences. “ Cabarets for children didn't exist anywhere. It's a family show where parents don't get bored and the children are having fun », explains Kamel Ouali. Capable of constantly innovating, Parisian cabarets continually succeed to surprise and move. « It's an extremely difficult exercise because it has to hold without being a catch-all, otherwise the magic won't work. », he adds. Fortunately, this unique universe is not about to bow out according to the director: « The place where we feel the freestit is undoubtedly in a cabaret ».

(¹) Name given to the Crazy Horse dancers
(²) Data from the Ministry of Culture
(³) The Lido was transformed into a performance hall and Gad Elmaleh bought Chez Michou in October 2024