An hour of iconic songs from Disney’s romantic films, performed live by candlelight: that’s the promise of “Candlelight: Disney Love Songs.” For its January dates, the concert has chosen two venues that couldn’t be more different: a former neighborhood movie theater in Toulon and Avignon’s most imposing medieval monument. Two exceptional venues, one shared moment of emotion.
9 January 2027 19:00 + more dates
Palais des Papes
9 January 2027 19:00 + more dates
Espace Comédia – Théâtre de la Méditerranée
Toulon: A Movie Theater That Has Taken on a New Role
For decades, people came tothe Espace Comédia to watch stories on the big screen. This venue in the Mourillon neighborhood is more than just a performance hall: it is one of Toulon’s oldest movie theaters, converted into a theater in 1991. It owes this second life to André Neyton, a leading figure in popular theater in southern France since the 1970s. In 1984, he founded the Théâtre de la Méditerranée to celebrate the regional cultures of the Mediterranean basin, before moving the company into the former movie theater.
A remarkable fact: the main auditorium has only about 230 seats, yet the stage measures up to 13 meters by 8. In other words, the musicians perform just a few rows away from you. And from Marseille, the fastest trains reach Toulon in about 45 minutes—enough time to head out after work, have dinner in Mourillon, and return home the same evening.
Avignon: Where the Festival Took Its First Steps
A change of scenery—and of scale—with this palace, classified as a historic monument and listed as aUNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Built in the 14th century, the Palais des Papes holds a history that is less well known. On September 4, 1947, Jean Vilar staged Shakespeare’s *The Tragedy of King Richard II* there, along with other works by Maurice Clavel and Paul Claudel, without a single set built. It was the very first performance of what would become the Avignon Festival.
A little anecdote: Originally, the project was supposed to be quite different: Jean Vilar categorically rejected the initial proposal to stage *Murder in the Cathedral* there, considering the Cour d’honneur too vast and shapeless for such a work. A rather tumultuous start for a festival that has since become an institution of French theater.
Fifteen love songs, from “Snow White” to “Up”
Imagine the hall bathed in candlelight, then the first notes of “A Whole New World” ( Aladdin). The program features fifteen songs, from “Some Day My Prince Will Come” (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) to “Love Is a Gift” (Frozen), including “Don’t Forget Me ” (Coco). Beauty and the Beast even gets two songs. The concert is suitable for ages 5 and up, making it the perfect outing to share with family or a loved one!
Practical Information
In Avignon, join us at the Palais des Papes on Saturday, January 9, 2027, at 7 p.m. or 9 p.m., or on Sunday, January 24, 2027.
In Toulon, join us atthe Espace Comédia on Saturday, January 9, 2027, or Friday, January 15, 2027, at 7 p.m. or 9 p.m.
