​The Shadows of Montparnasse 

Annual Production August 2025 

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La Belle Époque is looked back on as a time of optimism, elegance and progress in France. After much social and political upheaval, turn of the Century Paris was a hotbed of artistic exploration, scientific innovation and new thinking. But behind the bright lights and grand reconstruction projects, a poor underclass of citizens eked out a living in the dark back streets, away from the eyes of the law, by whatever means they could find. The popular press decried a new breed of ‘Apaches’, young people who ‘live on the margin of society, ready to do anything, except to take a regular job, the miserable house-breakers who are always ready with a concealed knife.’ But behind the lurid headlines, the reality was often more complex and intriguing. Our story will take us to the café-lined cobbled streets, past the cabarets and dance halls and into The Shadows of Montparnasse. 

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During the Summer holidays, CYT will rehearse a fantastic musical play, with the working title ‘The Shadows of Montparnasse’. The rehearsals and performances will be held at Crediton Arts Centre. Activities will include games, warm-ups, exercises and singing to develop characters and create an original piece of theatre. The project will culminate in three public performances. For more details and an application form, please get in touch via the Contact page. 

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