Cyrano de Bergerac at the Odéon Theatre in Paris

Equal parts romance and tragedy, this famous work by poet and playwright Edmond Rostand is a classic of French theatre, and the work which introduced the word panache to the English language.

This contemporary version, directed by Dominique Pitoiset and starring Philippe Torreton (last seen in Michel Gondry’s film L’Écume des Jours) in the title role, comes to Paris this spring, following a hugely successful national tour. Hercule Savinien Cyrano de Bergerac is a brash, charismatic soldier – moonlighting as a poet-philosopher – who has fallen for his distant cousin, the beautiful heiress Roxanne.

However, deeming himself ugly, Cyrano’s insecurities keep him from declaring his love. Despite his feelings for the intellectual Roxanne, he helps a fellow soldier, the inarticulate but handsome Christian, to woo her.

Written at the end of the 19th century, this romantic verse drama is loosely based on the life of a real French poet and military man of the same name.

The production will be staged at the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe, one of France’s six national theatres. This current incarnation of the venue is its third and dates back to 1819 (it was first built in 1782 and inaugurated by Marie-Antoinette) and it’s located on the Left Bank, a few steps from the Luxembourg Gardens.

Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe, Place de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris. May 7-June 28 (Except May 12, 18 & 26, June 1-2, 8-9, 16 & 23) 8:00 p.m. Tel: +33 1 44 85 40 40. Tickets: €6-€36