1887: La Cigale was built on the site of the former Boule Noire cabaret, which was
demolished to make room for the new theatre. When it was first built, La Cigale had room for approximately1,000 people and featured theatrical reviews.[3]
1920: The hall was given over to
operettas,
vaudeville, and
avant-garde evenings with
Jean Cocteau. A cabaret opened in the basement of La Cigale in 1924, but closed permanently three years later; it was replaced by the small temporary La Fourmi (
English: The Ant) music hall.
1987: La Cigale hosted a performance by the
Les Rita Mitsouko band with the support of Jacques Renault and Fabrice Coat, two former
antique dealers and cofounders of the famous Paris Les Bains Douchesnightclub. The auditorium was modernized and a hydraulic system was added. The interior was redecorated by famed designer
Philippe Starck. Corinne Mimram was appointed
artistic and
musical director.
2007: La Cigale partnered with French telecommunications company
SFR for two years, during which the name of the venue was officially changed to La Cigale SFR.
2011: In January, Jean-Louis Menanteau became the new
general director.
Performers
Entertainers who have performed at La Cigale include:[4]