Adapted from Romain Sardou’s 2005 novel published by XO Éditions, the family musical Une seconde avant Noël opens at the Folies Bergère in Paris on December 11, 2026, running through January 17, 2027, to explore the origins of Santa Claus as a 19th-century English orphan.
Folies Bergère Hosts Production from December 2026 to January 2027
- The production runs from December 11, 2026, to January 17, 2027, at the Folies Bergère in Paris.
- The stage adaptation features 16 artists, 18 sets, and 100 costumes across a two-hour show.
- The role of the young Harold Gui is shared in rotation by Alec Burette, Gaspard Dubesset, and Loan Olivier.
Harold Gui Survives Childhood Labor in 1851 England
The musical shifts the timeline of holiday lore back to 1851 England, before becoming the iconic figure in red, the protagonist is an orphaned chimney sweep named Harold Gui born in the industrial mining city of Cokecuttle.
The story follows Harold as he struggles to survive in a city where childhood labor is exploited. The production asks how an ordinary boy encounters elves and reindeer to build the global tradition recognized today.
Romain Sardou Directs Stage Adaptation with Creative Team
More than twenty years after his book’s release, Romain Sardou returns to direct the stage adaptation and co-write the libretto alongside Arnaud Kerane, who also wrote the song lyrics. The production team includes composer Marso, who has collaborated with artists like Mika, Pierre de Maere, Solann, Louane, and Pierre Garnier.
Costumes and visual worlds are designed by fashion stylist Charles de Vilmorin, former artistic director of Rochas, alongside scenography by Camille Duchemin, lighting by Bertrand Couderc, and choreography by Lola Mino. Marc Postel-Vinay produces the show under Cokecuttle Production.
The Cast Sharing the Lead Role
To bring Harold Gui to life on stage, three young performers alternate in the lead role. The cast features Alec Burette, who placed third representing France at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, along with Gaspard Dubesset, winner of the 2025 Tremplin des Voix and Concours de la Voix Française, and Loan Olivier, known from television appearances on Dream Team and The Voice Kids.
| Performer | Background Credential |
|---|---|
| Alec Burette | Junior Eurovision Song Contest (Third Place) |
| Gaspard Dubesset | Tremplin des Voix and Concours de la Voix Française Winner |
| Loan Olivier | Dream Team and The Voice Kids Participant |
Performance Details at the Folies Bergère
The production features 16 artists on stage moving through 18 distinct sets and wearing 100 costumes designed for the two-hour performance, which includes an intermission. Doors open one hour before showtime, and the venue recommends arriving at least thirty minutes prior to curtain.
Children under the age of three are prohibited from entering the auditorium due to venue safety regulations, and the show is recommended for audiences aged six and older.
