“Chambéry, Quelle Histoire” is a travelling street theatre show performed by 20 actors and 3 musicians. For two hours, the audience moves from stage to stage, following an intrigue that combines humour, emotion and suspense.
Chambéry’s iconic landmarks serve as backdrops, but that’s not all: artists have created some surprising scenic elements, such as the mysterious door, which add a touch of enchantment and surprise to the experience.
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Chambery Quelle Histoire 3 3At the end of the first stage, Passage Monseigneur Garnier, the audience splits into two groups:
The red “detective story” route
This takes the audience into the Chambéry of the notables and the bourgeoisie. Secrets of the powerful, political life and the arrival of the President of the Republic Armand Fallières – who has come to inaugurate the statue of Rousseau – disrupt the established order.
The Green “Mysterious History” trail
This route plunges into a more esoteric world. The investigation into the disappearance of François Descôtes, a lawyer from Chambéry who was found dead in 1908, is clouded by spiritualism, ancient legends and obscure curses. The disturbing role of a porcelain mender and the shadows of a debauched clergyman cast a shadow of uncertainty.
I was born in Chambéry and I thought I knew its history… but I learnt loads! And above all, it’s told with such gusto that you never want it to end. Seeing your own town portrayed like that is quite moving. There’s also a real sense of complicity between the actors, a beautiful harmony that makes the show even more enjoyable to follow.
Every encounter is a surprise, so varied and endearing are the characters.
Superintendent Chabert leads the investigation, supported by his amusing inspector Pignola, while Henri Bordeaux observes the city with irony. Jules Carret, a learned archaeologist, crosses paths with Apollonie, a dreamy poetess, and La Hibou, a disturbing porcelain mender. François Descotes, a respected local figure, collapses at the heart of the plot, before the eyes of Ernest Veyrat, the lively mayor. Other characters include Madame Mendrillon the matchmaker, Félix Grenouillet the ambiguous insurance agent, Félicie the café owner and Lagoutte the chatty drunkard.
All these characters – real or imagined – make up a delightful fresco, a blend of fantasy, mystery and glimpses of truth.
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20250819 220507Between scenes, the stroll is punctuated by live music from Piedmont in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The characters continue to interact with the audience, slipping in clues or tasty jabs, adding to the sense of immersion.
And every Friday, the evening culminates in a popular dance in the courtyard of the Waldeck-Rousseau school. Blanche, a professional dancer, introduces the dancers to the steps, accompanied by the voice of Célestine and musicians Yann and Élie. It’s a guinguette atmosphere where everyone ends up joining in the dance.
A show for everyone
Accessible from the age of 10, “Chambéry, Quelle Histoire” will appeal to visitors and locals alike. You’ll laugh, you’ll investigate, you’ll be amazed, and you’ll let yourself be carried away by the energy of the artists. With its two routes, it even makes you want to come back for the other experience!
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