Théâtre de l'Ambigu-Comique
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The Théâtre de l’Ambigu-Comique, a former Parisian theatre, was founded in 1769 on the boulevard du Temple immediately adjacent to the Théâtre de Nicolet. It was rebuilt in 1770 and 1786, but in 1827
The entrance to the Théâtre de l'Ambigu-Comique on the day of a free show. Louis-Léopold Boilly (1819)
The Théâtre de l'Ambigu-Comique on the boulevard Saint-Martin
Plans of the Ambigu-Comique (left) and the Théâtre de Nicolet (Théâtre de la Gaîté (boulevard du Temple), right), on the boulevard du Temple. The Ambigu-Comique and the Gaîté had a smaller number of boxes for privileged clientele than other Parisian theatres. These were separated by only half partitions that were more steeply angled toward the stage. The boxes usually found at the rear of a theatre were replaced with galleries of benches which seated more people. These arrangements provided more patrons with a better view of the stage, rather than a view of the other members of the audience.
Poster for an 1896 production at the Theâtre
René-Charles Guilbert de Pixerécourt was a French theatre director and playwright, active at the Théâtre de la Gaîté and best known for his modern melodramas such as The Dog of Montarges, the performa
Théâtre de l'Ambigu-Comique
…theatres in 1791 gave rise to a large number of rivals to the Ambigu, which was forced to close in 1799. In 1801, Audinot inaugurated a melodrama with Guilbert de Pixérécourt, Caigniez and Victor Ducange. In addition to the big name of Pixerecourt, actor Frederick Lemaitre played “Robert Macaire,” a classic villain in many…
Portrait of Guilbert de Pixerécourt, 1822, by Sophie Chéradame
Costume sketch for the actor Ferdinand in the rôle of the Tsar in La Fille de l'exilé, given at the Théâtre de la Gaîté, 13 March 1819