Artus does a big extra thing at the Paris La Défense Arena

Artus filled the Paris La Défense Arena with laughter during his comedy show on Friday night. The first of his two XXL shows was a mix of dark humor, self-deprecation, and kindness, showcasing the evolution of his career.

In front of a full house of 35,000 spectators, Artus impressed with his sharp one-man show where he managed to keep the audience engaged with a circular stage dominated by a monumental tree-like structure. The show included an orchestra on the left and a gospel choir on the right.

Introduced with a video on giant screens, Artus entered the stage to a rockstar-like reception. The 38-year-old comedian set the tone for the evening, declaring his show to be a defense of laughter and freedom of expression. He touched on sensitive topics with a hint of comedy, setting some ground rules, including a ban on filming, to ensure the audience’s full engagement.

Artus delved into various subjects, including disability, with guests like Philippe Croizon, and then smoothly transitioned into a segment on sexual humor. The evening continued with light-hearted jabs at rugby and coaches, leading to a series of jokes about accents before being interrupted by Teddy Riner regarding racial sensitivity.

The show took a heartfelt turn with a musical performance with Yvan Cassar on the piano, followed by a powerful moment when the cast of “Un p’tit truc en plus” joined Artus on stage, ending the night on a high note of camaraderie among performers.

As the evening seemed to end, Artus surprised the audience by fulfilling his promise to fly over them like a superhero named “Super Bite.” The show’s success led to another date being completely sold out, with plans to broadcast the spectacle in cinemas on September 24 to ensure all fans get a chance to experience the laughter-filled night. Additionally, Artus pledged to donate 10 euros from each ticket sold to the “Un p’tit truc en plus” foundation, adding a touch of solidarity to the event.