A local “success story” that has become a life project, which reminds us that everything is always possible, provided you follow through on your ideas
The Carcans Café-theater celebrated its tenth anniversary in October 2024. At the time, the couple already claimed a simple line. It aimed to offer a program of popular comedies, in a family atmosphere and with a careful welcome. The goal has not moved. “We have always made sure to have the same style of show, of comedy that works, that is a hit, that tours everywhere in France,” summarizes Nathalie Sarthe. It is the choice of consistency, with a demand for quality, rather than a permanent artistic shift. The result is reflected in a slight increase in attendance, around “11,000 spectators per year”, she indicates, despite the post-Covid shocks.
A reputation that is gaining ground
Carcans is not a big city. But the address has become an identified passage for troops. “We receive a lot of requests. The Carcans Café-Théâtre is starting to become known on the acting circuit,” assures Nathalie. Reputation depends on very concrete details. The image that comes back is that of a “lovely welcome”, a “beautiful place” and “a very warm audience”. The room has also been improved over the years. A terrace designed for sunny days allows the public to enjoy an outdoor space. And above all, an “actors’ house”, where the troupes can sleep on site, greatly facilitates the arrival of artists. “We put them up directly at the café-theatre,” slips the owner.
The 2025 season confirmed very positive dynamics, particularly in December, a “generally more difficult” month. “We found groups coming back, who hadn’t been out since the Covid period. We did the 31st, it went very well. And we did the best cover we’ve ever done! » rejoices Nathalie Sarthe. A return of works councils, associations and end-of-year meals, with groups of 40 people, which gives new impetus to the establishment. Xavier Guibert shares this observation, while noting an instability that has become difficult to anticipate. “The years since Covid have been completely different from each other. It depends on Trump’s announcements, the war in Ukraine. The international context has a huge impact on the filling of rooms,” he observes.
From firefighter to actor
And yet, at the start of 2026, the crowds surprise everyone. “We have never had such a prosperous January! » he smiles, convinced that the public “wants to move on to something else, to change their minds”. To remain accessible, Nathalie Sarthe maintains an assertive pricing policy despite inflation. “When we opened, we were 16 euros per place. Today, we are at 18 euros. We are doing everything to maintain access to the theater. » The same logic is held on the catering side. A full evening costs around 40 euros. The strategy is designed to preserve a “provincial” café-theatre, popular in the good sense of the term, where you can still come and laugh without blowing your budget.
“It’s the strength of each other that allowed us to completely change our lives”
The most spectacular shift is personal. The ex-firefighter became a full-time actor. “I left the fire service,” he says, having trained without school, watching, observing, seeing troops pass by and going on stage. Today, Xavier is going on tour with “La Descente aux emmerdes”, written by Nathalie, and is enjoying this second life. “I am incredibly lucky. I was able to work in my first passion. And here I have the chance to live a second passion to the fullest. » A reconversion made possible, he insists, by the duo formed with Nathalie. He confides that “it was the strength of each other that enabled us to completely change our lives”. Nathalie stays the course with the same philosophy. “We take what comes, and we are very happy with what happens,” she says, buoyed by a very encouraging start to the year.
