Marseille, France - On February 3, 2023, Gad Elmaleh officially inaugurated his new comedy club, Vig's, situated at 15 Quai de Rive Neuve on the Vieux-Port. The event marked Elmaleh's ambitious venture to make Marseille the new hub for stand-up comedy, following his efforts to establish similar acclaim in Paris.
The opening of Vig's was not just any launch; it was celebrated with numerous notable personalities present, including comedian Booder, television host Karine Le Marchand, and Marseille's mayor, Benoît Payan, as reported by La Provence. Elmaleh's dreams for the comedy club were evident as he expressed, "It’s the culmination of many things and a beautiful way to transmit to the new generation.”
Vig's, which had been welcoming audiences since its soft opening on January 24, can accommodate around 100 guests, offering performers like Elmaleh the chance to reconnect with smaller stage settings. "I need to practice on stage to test, to play, searching for the right tone, the right attitude," he stated.
The name 'Vig's' honors Vigon, the Franco-Moroccan rhythm and blues singer, whom Elmaleh and his friends have admired since their youth. Along with his childhood friends, Stéphane and William, the comedian aims to create more than just a venue for laughter; he envisions Vig's as a vibrant cultural spot, enriching the artistic expression within Marseille. This desire to cultivate local talent ties back to his late friend and mentor, Elie Kakou, who played a significant role early on in Elmaleh's career.
Notably, the club will host comedic nights twice weekly on Fridays and Saturdays, with potential for expansion should their popularity grow. The bar and restaurant section of Vig's will remain open throughout the week, making it not just a place for comedy but also social gatherings.
Reflecting on the impact of Elmaleh's club, enthusiasts and guests hailed the event as a new chapter for Marseille, reinforcing its status as the second city for comedy, right after Paris. Notable guests included rising stars such as Alban Ivanov, Camille Lavabre, and Isaac Sharry, all of whom contributed to the evening's exuberance.
Overall, the grand launching of Vig's has not only marked the blossoming of stand-up comedy culture beyond Paris but stands as testimony to Elmaleh's dedication to nurturing the next generation of comedians. Other urban centers may take notice as Marseille shakes off its former quiet image and redefines its cultural presence as the new epicenter of comedy.