Leeds Playhouse – until 7 August 2021
Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood
4****
With the Leeds Playhouse now being opened and staging repertoire productions again, Pam Gem’s Piaf, a Leeds Playhouse and Nottingham Playhouse co-production, comes alive on stage. It tells the story of Edith Gassion whose incredible talent became the voice which is remembered then and today. Her journey, professionally and personally, is equally extraordinary and the story begins with her humble beginnings from singing in the Paris streets to singing at top international concert halls.
It doesn’t primarily focus on the singing however it looks closely at Piaf’s vulnerability as far as herself, her friends and her peers are concerned and the emotional rollercoasters are felt and shared. The musical numbers fit so well to Piaf’s life and features with her well-known songs particularly with Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien, which in the end summarises and reminisces her short but extraordinary life.
Jenna Russell’s portrayal as Piaf is superb with an energetic and down to earth presence and her incredible and powerful voice performs to some infamous numbers. The award-winning performer’s presence on stage is felt confidently and yet warmly radiates and one is emotively moved with the vulnerability and fragility. The supporting cast are excellent and their presence is well choreographed to the roles they play and performing the key musical numbers. The show is complemented with Frankie Bradshaw’s staging.
With adult themes and its language throughout, Piaf, is raw and real as it comes. It is dark and honest and at the same time there is light and hope. With the singer’s extraordinary journey, it is a reminder about how talent can transform one’s life and dispel any preconceptions.
It is an excellent and entertaining performance, under the direction of Adam Penfold, and gives an opportunity to get an insight into the life of Piaf as well as her legendary and incredible voice.