On Saturday we went With Andree to the Curve theatre to see Piaf. It’s had mixed reviews – it is the story of Edith Piaf’s singing career, a gritty, often dark tale, of her rise from a street performer associating with prostitutes, to an international singing career that culminated in drug abuse. It is not, as I am sure many folk expected, just a celebration of her songs.
Chantal booked us seats in row D. This did not turn out to be the fourth row back, as expected, but right at the front, with the stage at eye level. We initially thought that this would detract from the performance – Andree even suggested moving seats, until we explained that these seats were booked, and in any case the theatre was full. In fact I think being almost part of the action enhanced the experience. At times we each individually felt that “Piaf” was singing to us personally.
The performance was brilliant – it must have been, because Andree was complimentary. She felt that the lead actress was an excellent performer of Piaf’s songs, although after some deliberation Andree felt that she must be English, because some of the words weren’t pronounced quite as Piaf would have done. She was, of course, English – the bulk of the dialogue required a certain expression or interpretation that could only have been performed to an English audience by a native English actress. The actor who, later in the performance, played Charles Aznavour, was definitely French – Andree was certainly impressed with his performance.
I thoroughly enjoyed the entire performance – I have always liked Piaf’s songs, and it was enlightening to hear part of each song sung in English.
Technically we live in Oaktree House, but sadly the tree had to go.
We now have a thriving Oakstump at the front of the house.
