After a seven-year absence from the limelight, Bart De Pauw is set to return to the stage with his own theatre show, reigniting interest and curiosity among audiences. The well-known television maker announced his comeback, confirming through various reports and press releases, stating he will perform at multiple venues across Belgium.
The first of three scheduled performances will take place on April 29, 2025, at the Stadsschouwburg in Antwerp. Following this, he is set to appear at the Trixxo Theater in Hasselt on May 13, and will conclude his theatre tour at the Capitole in Gent on May 26. Tickets for these performances will go on sale starting December 23, 2024, prompting excitement among fans eager to see De Pauw back on stage.
De Pauw describes the upcoming show as filled with “humorous observations” delivered in his signature style, emphasizing it will not venture toward stand-up comedy. Instead, he aims to create “a fun evening” for his audience, fueling speculation about the content he plans to present. "I am working hard on writing and rehearsing to deliver something enjoyable for the audience," he stated.
What's even more intriguing is De Pauw's intention to incorporate singing as part of the performance. A warning accompanies this announcement: “The show will not be for sensitive ears, as De Pauw will also attempt to sing.” Indeed, the details remain sparse, especially concerning the show’s title, which has yet to be revealed.
This theatre announcement is particularly noteworthy as it follows seven years since allegations of inappropriate behavior led to De Pauw being shunned by the public and severed from VRT, the Belgian public broadcaster. The controversy peaked when he was found guilty of harassment against five women and electronic stalking involving another, resulting in significant media scrutiny and public backlash.
Despite the gravity of the past allegations, De Pauw appears to be optimistic about his future. He mentioned his desire to create theatrical performances on his bucket list, highlighting his long-standing dream of being on stage. "I had already previously performed on theatre stages, and bringing my own show to life has been something I've wanted for quite some time,” he recounted.
Meanwhile, Christine Mussche, who advocates for the victims, expressed caution, stating she needs to hear from victims before commenting on De Pauw's new venture. Her sentiments reflect the divided perceptions surrounding De Pauw’s return, as many grapple with his controversial history and the professional façade he is attempting to rebuild.
The announcement also revived discussions about VRT and its earlier decision to withdraw programming connected to De Pauw. Earlier this year, VRT CEO Frederik Delaplace faced media scrutiny after ‘Het proces dat niemand wou,’ featuring accounts from De Pauw’s alleged victims, was pulled from the broadcast schedule, leading to significant criticism from advocacy groups.
Currently, as the countdown to his theatre performance begins, the question remains: how will the audience respond to De Pauw’s comeback, and will they embrace him again or maintain distance due to his past actions?
For now, De Pauw himself remains cautious yet hopeful about venturing back onto the stage. He indicates he does not foresee returning to television, as he has stated, “I think the ship has sailed.” This aligns with his focus on what lies directly ahead rather than gravitating back toward the controversial past as he prepares for his theatre debut.
When the curtains rise on his anticipated theatre show, whether it succeeds or faces backlash will largely depend on the audience's readiness to separate the artist from his earlier misdeeds and engage with his creative expressions anew.
