The first notes of jazz fill the room, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the rustle of fringed dresses. Under the soft lighting, pearls sparkle, fans flutter, and feet glide across the polished hardwood floor. Welcome to Jean Descas’s Last Ball!
Much more than just a ball, Château Descas invites you to an immersive show blending theater, cabaret, and crime thriller for an extraordinary experience. Step through the gates of the estate and experience the excitement of Bordeaux during the Roaring Twenties. But don’t be fooled by appearances. Because behind the laughter and cabaret acts, something is brewing… Until a murder turns the evening upside down.
A life-size Roaring Twenties ball
Jean Descas’s Last Ball is not a show like any other. With no stage separating the actors from the audience and no assigned seats, you’ll experience the ball as a true guest. Dressed in 1920s-inspired attire, pick up your mask upon arrival before joining the festivities.
Then the cabaret comes to life. Seven professional actors move through the castle’s various rooms, bringing this strange evening to life with songs, dances, stripteases, and séances. A suspicious glance? A mysterious nook? Feel free to move about; follow your intuition and curiosity to piece together your own version of the story.
A murder, seven suspects… and clues to uncover
…for behind the glitz lies a real-life mystery. When a murder occurs, the festivities take a completely different turn. Who is guilty? It’s up to you to gather clues as you wander the grounds and try to unravel the secrets of the seven suspects.
No need to solve puzzles or play a role: Jean Descas’ Last Ball is, above all, an immersive show. Watch, listen, follow the characters, and let your instincts guide you.
The audience decides the outcome
After about two hours of the show, it’s time for the debate. The clues gathered are laid out and compared so that everyone can form their own opinion. Then comes the moment of the vote, when the audience collectively chooses the culprit.
And that’s where the show has its final surprise in store. The actors perform the conclusion based on the audience’s verdict. Because the story is never entirely written in advance…
Practical Information:
📍 Château Théâtre Descas, 5 quai de Paludate, 33800 Bordeaux
📆 Every Friday at 6:30 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. starting October 2, 2026; reservations required
💰 €65 per person, including a glass of red or white wine
🎫 This experience is for ages 18 and up
🪭To fully immerse yourself in the experience, a Roaring Twenties dress code is strongly recommended
