The Théâtre du Grand-Guignol (1897–1962), tucked away in the cobblestoned alleys of Pigalle, Paris, earned a notorious and legendary reputation as the “Theatre of Horror”. Specialising in short plays, it offered audiences an unforgettable blend of gruesome horror and raucous comedy. With its intimate stage and macabre allure, the theatre became a magnet for thrill-seekers, drawing both a loyal local audience and daring tourists. Nestled in a neighbourhood infamous for its brothels and gangs, the Grand-Guignol perfected a unique formula which alternated between realistic slice-of-death dramas and grotesque tales of murder, madness, and depravity. The visceral impact of these performances often led spectators to faint or vomit, requiring the assistance of the theatre’s in-house doctor. Yet, laughter mingled with gasps, as bawdy comedies lightened the tension between the chilling scenes.
While the original Grand-Guignol closed its doors in the 1960s, its influence persists in modern horror across media. Its ingenious blend of terror and humour laid the groundwork for subsequent live horror performances, inspiring immersive experiences and theatrical companies around the world. Academic and theatre director Richard Hand will shed light on the enduring legacy of this remarkable theatre, talking us through the vivid history, shocking artistry, and profound cultural impact of this legendary institution.
Richard J. Hand is Professor of Media Practice and Head of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. He has a particular interest in historical forms of popular culture, especially horror, and is the author of two books on horror radio drama; the co-author (with Michael Wilson) of four books on Grand-Guignol horror theatre; the co-editor (with Jay McRoy) of two volumes on gothic/horror cinema; and the co-editor (with Mark O’Thomas) of a collection of essays on American Horror Story. As well as an academic, he is a theatre director and award-winning radio writer, including as lead dramatist for the National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre on the Air podcast drama which, in 2020, was archived by the Library of Congress for its ‘historical and cultural significance’.
Your curator and host for this event will be the writer Edward Parnell, author of Ghostland: In Search of a Haunted Country. Ghostland (William Collins, 2019), a work of narrative non-fiction, is a moving exploration of what has haunted our writers and artists – as well as the author’s own haunted past; it was shortlisted for the PEN Ackerley 2020 prize, an award given to a literary autobiography of excellence. Edward’s first novel The Listeners (2014), won the Rethink New Novels Prize. His latest book is Eerie East Anglia (pub. Aug 2024) for the British Library’s Tales of the Weird series. For further info see: https://edwardparnell.com
Don’t worry if you can’t make the live event on the night – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day.
[Image: a montage of various vintage Grand Guignol play posters.]
