“Piaf (In Person)” by Pam Gems

Nottingham Playhouse.

I have waited so long to see this show as it had already been postponed a couple of times due to the Covid pandemic, and now here it was.

The show follows the amazing rise from the gutter, selling her body and singing in the streets of Paris, to reaching the dizzy heights of being one of France’s biggest and most loved singers, and back to the gutter, practically begging her agent to get her gigs in cinemas and holiday parks. Her music is still played today and used in TV adverts, such is her long-lasting appeal. Her singing voice was powerful and emotional. Her life matched her singing voice.

I knew a lot of the Piaf story, but there were quite a few parts of the jigsaw that, since seeing this show, have now completed the full Piaf picture.

Many of Piaf’s best loved songs are included in the show, “La Vie En Rose”, “Hymne a L’amour”, "Milord" and of course “Non Je Ne Regrette Rien” aka “No Regrets”. The songs depicting her life including her prostitution, her many young lovers, her drink addiction, through to her drug induced death at the mere age of 47 years old. The songs are performed in a mix of French and English. I think they sound better in French to be honest.

I was a little puzzled as to why we were listening to Piaf from Walford, and then it struck me that Piaf came from the common, most down-trodden part of Paris, and how would we recognise a "common" Parisian accent if not an equivalent was brought into play! Clever. I can only imagine that a Welsh sounding Charles Aznavour equalled a voice from the Valleys!

The language is really ripe with just about every expletive being used, so if you are easily offended by swear words, you won't like this play!

I loved the boxing scene, featuring yet another young, fit, good looking beau for The Little Sparrow, as parts of the action was done in slow motion which worked really well, accentuating the excitement of the boxing match.

Jenna Russell is incredible in the role of Piaf, ooh but what a mouth she has on 'er! But you can see that Jenna has really studied La Piaf in the way she sings and how she sings as well. Such emotion. The physicality of the character as well was well adhered to; walking like a woman twice her age, she shuffled around the stage, ending up in a wheel chair. Brilliantly brought to life by Russell.

Directed by Adam Penford, which I imagine was a labour of love for Mr Penford. The show packed as much punch as the boxers in that ring, but left breathing spaces for the more emotional sections. Well paced for the maximum effect.

The Parisian atmosphere was not only contained to the stage area as tables and chairs were arranged for the public next to the stage, creating that Parisian Cabaret feel to the show.

The rest of the cast are Louis Gaunt (Theo/Marcel/Jacques), who will be a big hit with the ladies as he can sing, dance, act and look good in a pair of boxer shorts, Samuel James (Bruno), Laura Pitt-Pulford (Marlene/Eddie/Madeline), Joseph Prowen (Louis Barrier/Little Louis), Gerry Robson (Leplee/Butcher/Vaimber).

Sally Ann Triplett (Toine) who played an absolute blinder as Piaf's lifelong friend, and the opening scenes with Toine are very funny - and incredibly crude at the same time, Matthew Woodyatt (Raymond/Inspector/Charles) and Xheng Xl Yog (Lucien/Emil/Boxer/Georges), who will also be a visual hit with the ladies.

The set design is by Frankie Bradshaw and as you can see from the pictures of the set (Marc Benner), it visually transports you from the streets of Paris to the most respected Parisian nightclubs.

MD, arranger and orchestrator is Gareth Valentine, who I am sure was on stage all night, apart from the interval. The cast also play instruments bringing such a wonderful Parisian flavour to the show. There is also a gorgeous version of "Les Trois Cloches" (The Three Bells) by Les Compagnions de Chanson performed accapella style. And I never knew of Piaf's involvement in that song, nor did I know of her hand in Charles Aznavour's rise to fame.

Lighting Director is Jack Knowles and hand in hand with the Sound Design by Ella Wahlstrom, they make a perfect combination, adding to this production.

Wardrobe is by Emma Waugh and there are some very classy costumes, but also a reflection of the lower life clothes worn on the streets in Paris for this period.

The show is everything that I would have wanted to see from such an iconic, but tainted chanteuse, and more than met my expectations. Entertaining as well as educational. An absolute must see.

“Piaf (In Person)” is at the Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 17 July.