Piaf
I had a beautiful evening this week at West Berkshire’s Watermill Theatre. Before I talk about the play, can I just say that the theatre itself is looking absolutely stunning at the moment, as Spring breaks out, and the blossom and plants in the grounds are just beautiful!
This play with music explores the life and times of Édith Piaf, the famous French singer.
Pam Gems’ play stars Audrey Brisson, who returns to the Watermill after her critically acclaimed performance in their production of Amélie a few years ago. Nicknamed 'The Little Sparrow', we watch Piaf's dramatic rise from the squalor of the streets of Paris to the glamour of international stardom.
We follow Piaf through her loves, losses and addictions, and watch this complex and fragile star, all the time hearing her spellbinding songs. As is often the case at the Watermill, this is an actor-musician production and each member of the cast, apart from the wonderful, hardworking Brisson, plays a variety of musical instruments, from piano to tambourine to double bass and brass!
Along the way, we watch Piaf struggle with addictions, loss, mental health and ultimately failing health resulting in her premature death at the age of 47.
But as she sings at the end of this show, this fascinating talent lived a life of no regrets.
The ensemble cast are all incredibly hardworking and play their various parts (and musical instruments) with creativity and commitment. We learn of Piaf’s friendship with the equally iconic Marlene Dietrich (played beautifully by Signe Larsson) and also French star Charles Aznavour (played by Marc Serratosa) who was her assistant before his career took off. Also of note is her friend Toine, played by Tzarina-Nassor, whose friendship lasted most of their lives. The warmth between the two women was notable.
However, this production undoubtedly belongs to Audrey Brisson, playing the title character. We see her at the start of the show, at the end of her life, fragile, and broken, and attempting, but failing at, a return to the stage. We then travel with her back to the start, with her working as a prostitute, and being discovered singing powerfully on the street.
At this stage, it’s right to sound a slight word of warning. As the Watermill state on their website, this production deals with many difficult issues and contains: drugs, alcohol, simulated sexual activity, and lots of swearing. It is definitely not for children! The recommendation is for age 14+.
But what of the central performance? Brisson’s performance is nothing short of sensational. She inhabits the character of this damaged but wonderful icon. The energy she gives to the performance is extraordinary. She veers from excitable and youthful exuberance, to despair and fragility in the blink of an eye, all the time singing those wonderful songs with a powerful voice that completely captures Edith Piaf. She is riveting!
Director Kimberley Sykes has directed this complex play with music, very effectively. She manages to get her cast to bring the humour over, without slipping into caricature. As I’ve already indicated, the whole cast injects so much energy and confidence in this production.
The set is very simple, but works beautifully, as is the lighting. The costumes are also spot on, including watching Piaf developing her trademark Black dress and heels.
The Watermill have once again got a triumph on their hands, so treat yourself to a trip to this wonderful, innovative theatre!
This show was reviewed on the 9th April 2025 at the Watermill Theatre, Berkshire where it runs until the 17th May 2025. Tickets available here: Piaf | Watermill Theatre
Review written by Ruth Hawkins
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Photo credit: Alex Brenner
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