Théâtre de Marie-Antoinette, Versailles

Versailles is a beautiful, fascinating place to visit and is full of surprises. From the outside, the Théâtre Marie Antoinette looks a bit like a barn or a farm outbuilding, but it hides a treasure not to be missed.

King Louis VXI spoilt his wife, giving into her every wish. He had no mistresses - probably because he wasn’t a very virile man – so he treated the queen like a mistress. Marie Antoinette loved the theatre and it was a popular custom for many great houses to have their own private theatre where they and their friends could put on small plays and operas in which they played the leading roles.

The theatre was built in 1780 by Richard Mique. It is a relatively small building with seats for a little over 100 spectators. The main aisle housed benches, while the galleries along the walls had comfortable seats. The entrance to the theatre is through double doors on the right of the small vestibule.

The decoration is lovely, with elaborate sculptures in gilt that make you wonder how they survived the Revolution. In fact they are made of papier-mâché and have no marketing value. The frescoes on the ceiling are copies of the originals. There is no lighting in the theatre, the stage was lit by a series of oil lamps and candles were set around the seats and the galleries.

The most ingenious form of mechanical scenery-changing equipment had been installed and this can still be seen today. Marie-Antoinette and her guests used the theatre for five years until she played the leading role in the Barber of Seville – which was considered unsuitable among the nobility – and her mother ordered her to close the theatre.