IL ÉTAIT UNE FOIS

How to Become Parisian in One Hour?

Olivier Giraud, l’humoriste qui monte

Hilarious and culturally enriching, the hit comedy show, How to Become Parisian in One Hour?, is a pure delight from a very talented French comedian. Conceived and performed in English by Olivier Giraud, the show was hailed by the New York Times as «learning to be French through comedy». You will learn how to act like a real Parisian in a shop, restaurant, taxi, the metro, a nightclub and beyond. And you’ll learn the typical Parisian language and facial expressions. We were able to take him off the stage to sit down for a chat about him, his show and his future.

With all of the interesting multi-cultural knowledge that comes out in your show, where are you from? I was born in Bordeaux, I left when I turned 18. I lived in Paris, England, Spain and the USA.

What did you do before becoming a comedian? I worked for five years in America as a restaurant manager at the Breakers Hotel Palm Beach in Florida. I found most of my inspiration during all my trips around the world. How does it feel to be the star of the most successful comedy show in Paris? I couldn't be happier, when I started nobody believed in my project because the show was 100% in English. Seven years later, I'm playing the show in the heart of Paris, in a beautiful 600- seat theatre! On May 20th I celebrated the 500 000th spectator at the mythical Olympia hall and I received the prestigious award 'BEST PARIS COMEDY 2016’ Ohlala !

Could you tell us, what the show talks about? The show talks about the cultural differences between Parisians and the rest of the world! I train the audience in how to act in every situation encountered in Paris.

Where does the audience come from? The audience comes from all around the world (at least 40 différent nationalities) and I’m very happy and surprised to welcome many French people as well. This multicultural audience creates a unique atmosphere! ■