Entertainers
Introduction
Entertainers
Le Carrousel and Madame Arthur were truly global stages, where entertainers from all over the world showcased their talents. Many of these performers went on to achieve worldwide fame, thanks in part to the exposure they received at these iconic venues. From North and South America , Europe to Africa, and even Australia, Le Carrousel and Madame Arthur welcomed artists from all over of the globe.
Introduction
Le Carrousel and Madame Arthur were truly global stages, where entertainers from all over the world showcased their talents. Many of these performers went on to achieve worldwide fame, thanks in part to the exposure they received at these iconic venues. From North and South America , Europe to Africa, and even Australia, Le Carrousel and Madame Arthur welcomed artists from all over of the globe.
Programmes
Throughout the history of the cabarets (Carrousel, Madame Arthur, Elle et Lui ) they have always had show programmes featuring the entertainers for that season / occasion (tours/residencies). What i believe to be the very first Carrousel programme is very basic and small, has a few sponsorhips ads for alcohol brands and shows the performers in studio photography, The second oldest is a much more intricate programme that depicts the entertainers on stage and are colorized versions of black and white photos they almost look like cartoons. The programmes of the 50's start displaying the male image of the entertainer in the bottom corners , probablyfor a shock value. In the mid 60's that practice is phased out. Below you will see all the programmes in my collection (the covers for now) , many might look the same but are actually quite different inside.
1940's + Unique Programmes
Carrousel programme, C 1947
I believe this to be the first programme ever made.
5.5in X 8in
Carrousel Programme, C 1948
Zambella by Teddy Piaz (Cover)
The interior has a forward that talks about Le Carrousel's creation in October of 1947. The spine has a decorative red yarn.
8.5in X 10.5in
Madame Arthur Programmes, C 1953-54
One features Bambi and the Other Coccinelle both with early headshots. I showed them to Bambi and she didnt recognize this type of programme. She did only work a few months at the begginng of her career at Maame arthur before moving to Le carrousel. These feature a short introduction in French , German , English and Spanish.
4in X 5.5in
Although the programmes have one Cabaret listed on the cover the entertainers of both are shown. Usually the cabaret listed on the cover will show all of its entertainers first. some feauture ads, photos of the male dancers, even the orchestra. Many of the Madame Arthur programmes use imagery depicting Toulouse Lautrec's image of Yvette Guilbert who sang "Madame Arthur". Robert Lasquin the show director is credited for creating many of the covers for the programmes , including some in the style of Bernard Buffet. While Many of the covers may look the same the insides of the programmes are diffetrent even if they are from the same year. I will work on showing the contents of each soon.
1950's- Early 1960's (Rue du Colisee Carrousel)
7.5in X 10in
Madame Arthur programme, C 1954
This is the first programme in the archive that features Bambi. She first performed Christmas 1953 at Madame Arthur then "graduated" to Carrousel.
Madame Arthur programme, C 1955
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Madame Arthur programme, C 1955
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Madame Arthur programme, C 1955
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Madame Arthur programme, 1956
Madame Arthur opened in 1946 this is the 10 year anniversary programme.
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Madame Arthur programme, 1956
Madame Arthur opened in 1946 this is the 10 year anniversary programme.
Le Carrousel programme, 1956-57
Carrousel opened in 1947 and this is the 10th anniversary programme or it could be the Carrousel version of the Madame Arthur Programme Celebrating 10 years. ​
Le Carrousel programme, 1956-57
Carrousel opened in 1947 and this is the 10th anniversary programme or it could be the Carrousel version of the Madame Arthur Programme Celebrating 10 years. ​
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Le Carrousel programme, C 1958
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Le Carrousel programme, C 1958
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Madame Arthur programme, C1958-59
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Le Carrousel programme, C 1959-60
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Madame Arthur programme, C1959-60
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Madame Arthur programme, C1959-60
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Le Carrousel programme, C 1961-62
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Madame Arthur programme, C1960-61
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Le Carrousel programme, C 1961-62
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Madame Arthur programme, C1962
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Madame Arthur programme, C1962
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Le Carrousel programme, C 1958-60
I'm not sure the exact time of this programme its also quite unique. In the middle of the programme it features a pictorial entitled "La Transformation: execute par Renee" which shows a female impersonator getting ready. The strange part is that it seems to be an American F.I.
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Mid 1960's-Early 1970's (Rue Vavin Carrousel)
7in X 10in
After the Rue du Colisee location closed Le Carrousel opened at 29 Rue Vavin next to Elle et Lui. The programmes got slightly thinner and with the arrival of more Transwomen they stopped showing the entertainers male photos in the programmes. The later programme designs also revisited the earlier Yvette Guilbert style covers with a more modern flare.
Madame Arthur programme, 1963
There is an ad inside for the new Carrousel Rue Vavin 1963
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Le Carrousel programme, C.1963
This Programme features Elle et Lui instead of Madame Arthur Like previous programes. The programme is not split in 2 parts and read straight through like previous ones, rather you turn it over and flip it upside down
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Elle et Lui programme, C.1963
This is the same programme as the Carrousel just the opposite side.
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Madame Arthur programme, 1964
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Le Carrousel programme, C 1965
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Madame Arthur programme,Late 60's
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Madame Arthur programme,Late 60's
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Madame Arthur programme, C1970
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Madame Arthur programme, C1970
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Madame Arthur programme, C1970
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Madame Arthur programme, C1970
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Madame Arthur programme, C1975
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C. 1990 (Rue Fontaine Carrousel)
8.5in X 11.5n
Madame Arthur & Carrousel programme, C.1990
Like the Carrousel/Elle et Lui programme this programme is not split in 2 parts and read straight through like previous ones, rather you turn it over and flip it upside down.
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