Michel Georges Alfred Catty, aka Michou (left), owner of the famed Montmartre cabaret “Chez Michou” poses at the terrace of a Montmarte cafe within the inauguration of a plaque dedicated to the late author and president of “the Republic of Montmartre” Suzanne Denglos-Fau on March 13, 2014, in the Montmartre district of Paris. Chez Michou on Monday, July 1, 2024, announced its closure for financial reasons, bringing an end to a risque fixture of the French capital’s nightlife that inspired a Hollywood film. AFP PHOTO / PATRICK KOVARIK
PARIS — Paris’ trailblazing drag cabaret Chez Michou on Monday, July 1, announced its closure for financial reasons, bringing an end to a risque fixture of the French capital’s nightlife that inspired a Hollywood film.
After 68 years in the burlesque business, Sunday’s performance would be the last, the managers of the cabaret wrote on social media.
A liquidator “will be appointed from July 16, 2024, with the task of finding a buyer for our establishment,” they added.
Run by Paris nightlife icon Michou until his death in 2020, the cabaret brought drag entertainment to France in the mid-1950s when it put on shows featuring men caricaturing women personalities of the time.
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Despite being the capital’s smallest cabaret, the tiny venue in the northern Montmartre district vied for attention with the larger, more conventional Moulin Rouge, Lido and Crazy Horse.
The all-blue-outfit, chunky-dark-glasses wearing Michou – real name: Michel Catty – and his camped-up “Michettes” inspired a hit 1978 French comedy film, “La Cage aux Folles.”
It was later remade in Hollywood as “The Birdcage” starring Robin Williams.
But the cabaret’s future was already in doubt prior to the announcement of its closure.
On Saturday, Michou’s niece Catherine Catty-Jacquart told AFP she did not know if the cabaret would reopen in September.
“We’re living from day to day,” she said, with the venue seeing a lack of bookings in July despite the Olympic Games.
Catty-Jacquart blamed strikes, protests, parking issues and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic for the venue’s financial difficulties.
Chez Michou employed 23 people including the performers and staff in the dining room, kitchens and reception.
Drag shows have experienced a revival in recent years, driven by venues such as nearby Madame Arthur that have been able to attract a young, hip audience.
But this upswing did not help Chez Michou.