Michèle Laroque and Kad Merad Launch New Stage Comedy in Paris

Michèle Laroque and Kad Merad debut together in Paris

Michèle Laroque and Kad Merad are performing together for the first time in a comedic stage show titled L'Âge bête, which premiered on Friday, October 16, in Paris. The performance is part of a tour that will include additional dates in France, Belgium, and Switzerland.

Comedic sketches explore life as a rebellious couple

L'Âge bête features a series of comedic sketches centered on the daily life of a "rebellious and free couple who have just met and want to live as young people no matter what," according to Michèle Laroque's summary for AFP. Topics include childcare, relationships, diet, and even the challenges of electric cars.

Olivier Baroux created the show with input from the performers

Olivier Baroux, Kad Merad's longtime collaborator, created the show, which is being staged at the Folies Bergère. Michèle Laroque and Kad Merad contributed ideas, and the performance draws inspiration from the long-running comedy series Ils s'aiment, which Michèle Laroque performed in for two decades with Pierre Palmade.

Laroque and Merad wanted to create a stage comedy together

Michèle Laroque, who recently appeared in the film 100 millions! de Nath Dumont, said she and Kad Merad had long wanted to perform together on stage. They considered a play but decided a comedy show would better suit their dynamic. Kad Merad noted that their chemistry is genuine, as they are both friends and have worked together in films.

The show features characters with humor and self-deprecation

Michèle Laroque described her character, Claire, as a "rock'n'roll woman" who embodies stereotypes and fears others' opinions. Kad Merad said the show uses humor rooted in bad faith and self-deprecation, with sketches that can be absurd. He also mentioned his recent work on the Canal Plus political series Baron noir, which will air in spring.

Laroque balances film and theater in her career

Michèle Laroque will return to the stage in March 2026, performing in H2, a comedy directed by Frank Bellocq. She will share the stage with Didier Bourdon and Camille Lellouche, continuing her career that spans both film and theater.