Lausanne audiences are in for a delightfully chaotic grab on a classic this spring with “Roméo/Juliette,” a new musical comedy starring Joseph Gorgoni and Marie-Thérèse Porchet. The production, currently running at the Pavillon Naftule, isn’t your grandmother’s Shakespeare; it’s a family inheritance gone hilariously awry, blending theatrical mishaps with a healthy dose of 80s nostalgia. This unique staging of “Roméo/Juliette” promises an evening of unrestrained laughter and unexpected twists.
The premise is delightfully absurd: a brother and sister, described as having vastly different personalities, discover a peculiar condition attached to a substantial inheritance of 300,000 francs from their late mother. To claim the money, they must stage a production of “Romeo and Juliet.” The catch? Neither sibling possesses any theatrical experience, and the resulting production is, to put it mildly, unconventional. As Sébastien Corthésy, the demonstrate’s co-author and director, told RTS, “With the Revue de Lausanne troupe, we’d been wanting to create something different than the revue for a while. And this opportunity was too good to pass up.”
>> A voir, le sujet du 19h30 consacré au spectacle “Roméo/Juliette” :
A Multi-Role Performance and Absurdist Humor
Joseph Gorgoni, a well-known Swiss comedian and humorist, takes on the role of Romeo, but with a twist. He similarly appears as Marie-Thérèse Porchet, a character he frequently portrays, adding another layer of comedic complexity. The production embraces absurdist humor, featuring costumes that clash eras – think medieval attire alongside 1980s fashion – and a soundtrack that blends classical themes with unexpected hits like “Final Countdown” and “Les Démons de minuit.” Gorgoni himself confessed to 20 Minutes that he was drawn to the project because it was something entirely new for him, a chance to explore a different kind of creative challenge.
The cast also includes Alice Fleurey, Laura Guerrero, Capucine Lhemanne, Frank Michaux, and Nathan Pannatier/César Vallet (in alternating performances). The show doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the often-chaotic world of theater production, exposing the rivalries, egos, and compromises that lie beneath the surface of a seemingly polished performance. It’s a meta-theatrical experience, offering audiences a glimpse behind the curtain while simultaneously delivering a riotous comedy.
From Revue to Roméo: A New Chapter
This production marks a departure for Gorgoni and the Revue de Lausanne, known for their traditional revue shows. Corthésy explained that the team had been eager to explore a different format, and this musical comedy presented the perfect opportunity. The show’s success has been such that performances have been extended through April 4, 2026, at the Pavillon Naftule in Lausanne.
The play isn’t just about laughs; it also offers a playful commentary on family dynamics and the lengths people will go to for an inheritance. The initial reaction to the script was one of bewilderment, according to Gorgoni, but the resulting chaos on stage is clearly resonating with audiences. The show’s blend of classic literature, modern music, and slapstick humor has created a unique theatrical experience that is proving to be a hit with Swiss audiences.
“Roméo/Juliette” is scheduled to run until April 4th, 2026, at the Pavillon Naftule in Lausanne. Tickets and further information can be found on the Pavillon Naftule website. The production offers a refreshing and irreverent take on a beloved story, proving that sometimes, the most enjoyable experiences are the ones that go delightfully off the rails.
As the run extends, audiences can anticipate continued performances from the talented cast, including Joseph Gorgoni and Marie-Thérèse Porchet, bringing their unique brand of humor to the stage. The show’s popularity suggests a strong demand for unconventional and comedic theatrical experiences, and it will be interesting to witness what the Revue de Lausanne creates next.
What are your thoughts on this unique take on a classic? Share your comments below and let us know if you plan to catch a performance of “Roméo/Juliette” before its April 4th closing date.
