Before the construction of the municipal theatre, the town of Roanne rented the former théâtre d'Artois. Made of wood, initially erected in 1773 in the gardens of the Hôtel de Livron (the current sub-prefecture), it was bought by a rich middle-class merchant of Roanne who dealt in luxury and earthenware goods, and who had it reinstalled in rue Ducale (the current rue Jean Jaurès).
When it disappeared in 1876, the people of Roanne demanded a proper theatre. Constructed in 1883 under the direction of the architect Barberot, the new municipal theatre opened in 1885, with a performance of Rossini's Barber of Seville.
The interior decor of this Italianate theatre is remarkable. The cupola is adorned with a backed painting, representing allegorical characters. The person symbolising the Town of Roanne appears on it, brandishing a torch and associated with the town's motto « Je grandirai et je brillerai » ((I will grow up and I will shine).
The theatre was the subject of major renovation from 1987 to 1989. Restored and modernised, it provides the audience with an elegant setting and the artist with a facility suited to today's necessities. The renovation and extension were carried out with conservation in mind. The stage was provided with modern machinery while at the same time preserving the original wooden installation. Other improvements were made to the stage, the orchestra pit and the auditorium in which the decoration, a talented reflection of the craftsmanship of the Napoleon III period, regained its original character thanks to the restoration by a Fine Arts team from Valence. The foyer was redesigned and the building enlarged backstage with a rehearsal room, plant and administrative rooms, additional boxes...
Roanne's theatre is supported by the French Culture Ministry, the DRAC (Direction Régionale des Affaires Culturelles - Regional cultural affairs department), the Conseil régional Rhône-Alpes (Regional Council), the Conseil général de la Loire ("County" Council) and the Office National de la Diffusion Artistique (National Artistic Diffusion Organisation).