The Watermill Mill, Newbury – until 17 May 2025
Reviewed by Marcia Spiers
5*****
Whilst I had heard of Edith Piaf and knew a couple of her songs, I can honestly say I did not know much about her life. So, I came to this production with an open heart and mind.
Directed by Kimberley Sykes and written by Pam Gems this play tells the story of one of the 20th century’s most vibrant and beloved singers. Born into poverty in Paris, rising to global stardom. A woman who loved both life and men yet incredibly vulnerable constantly seeking approval and love. She died in 1963 and her music remains popular to this day.
This production is in every way amazing and a must see. The simple set design is effortlessly arranged to narrate Piaf’s life without much distraction. All credit to the design team for that achievement on what is quite a restricted stage. The costumes too reflect the period. Edith wearing an array of outfits to fit her tiny frame and in contrast her friend Marlena Dietrich adorned with clothes that show off her glamorous stature and elegance.
The music in this play is fabulous. There are nine members in the orchestra, who also serve as cast members and play various instruments including piano, brass, woodwind, strings, and percussion. I am in awe of their talent. The singing is notable, with most songs performed in French and one song in Italian, which gives a romantic and powerful impression.
Audrey Brisson gives a first-class performance as Edith. Having seen clips of Edith performing, Audrey’s powerful vocals, stature and body language give her real credibility in this role, and she absolutely nails the fun, feisty, fiery but also vulnerable personality of the famous singer through her tumultuous life. Tzarina-Nassor makes a great professional stage debut as Edith’s friend and fellow street girl Toine.
Djavan Van De Fliert plays the beautiful Marcel, the one true love of Edith’s life, Djavan has great stage presence and voice. Their love affair comes to a tragic end after which Edith’s life unravels even further. Edith has multiple affairs until she marries Theo, a younger Greek man, played by Oliver Nazareth Aston, who adored her until her death. Along the way Edith also collects proteges with whom she collaborated and helped become stars – Charles Aznavour and Charles Dumont are two such people.
Signe Larsson is instantly recognizable as the beautiful Marlene Dietrich who becomes a close friend of Edith supporting her in times where she struggles with her confidence or her loneliness. An exceptionally impressive performance. Signe also gives a reliable performance as loyal secretary and personal assistant Madeline.
Hazel Monaghan provides an inspired performance as Louis who without any experience becomes Edith’s agent for a time during which he catapults her to fame in America and globally. He does, however, exploit Edith and seeks to cover up her alcohol and drug abuse.
The rest of the cast play a variety of characters, notably Sam Pay who plays Leplee who is responsible for spotting the young Edith performing in the street and giving her a job in a nightclub. Marc Serratosa gives a solid performance as Charles and Georges; Kit Kenneth, a very competent musician but also doubles up as a nurse and other cameo roles throughout and last but no means least Jon Trenchard who is vibrant as the onstage MD and Bruno.
When you consider that this play has twenty scenes, twenty-one songs and twenty-seven characters it is no mean feat to bring this play to life with ten people! A big shout out to them all and to both Kimberley Sykes and Sam Kenyon for a truly brilliant production. I wish it all the success it deserves.