Review: Piaf, at the Leeds Playhouse

Source: Piaf | Leeds Playhouse

For the first time in a long time (not even because of Ms Rona), we have had a theatre trip somewhere new - and somewhere other than the usual places I go to. This is not in Manchester, London or Liverpool - but we're crossing the Pennines to Leeds. 

I have been there once or twice to see my brother when he lived there, but never for a show. And the show in question, is Pam Gems' Piaf, based on the life of legendary French singer Edith Piaf, and is a collboration between Leeds Playhouse and Nottingham Playhouse. 

The play premiered a the RSC in 1978 before moving to the Donmar, then to the West End and Broadway. It was one that keeps popping up every few years at least somewhere. Piaf herself was played originally by Jane Lapotaire, but since by the likes of Elaine Paige, Caroline O'Connor, Elena Roger and Frances Ruffelle. 

As I've just reeled off a lovely list of some of the actresses to play this part, let me mention another name among this pile of greats, and who is the best part of this production: Jenna Russell. 

Yes I have seen her before in Fun Home, but she only played a small part in that, rather than lead a company like this. From the moment she walked on stage, you could tell she embodied the character of Piaf. How she embodied Piaf's struggles is what really should be commended. More than anything, Piaf was a very lonely woman, hated being single - despite a lot of the men she was with were pretty terrible - and fell into both drug and alcohol abuse. The transformation we see from a young potty-mouthed girl singing in the street, to a woman the shell of herself. Russell had the grit and the rich timbre in her vocal that made Piaf feel so unique as an artist.

In a way, because she drew you in so much (and party due to the script as well), a lot of the other characters in comparison didn't matter. The exception being Toine, Piaf's best friend, played by Sally-Ann Triplett. She and Russell have been friends since they were 20 and their chemistry shows. 

Source: Piaf | Leeds Playhouse

It's not that the company of 8 (which also includes the incredible Laura Putt-Pulford (Flowers for Mrs Harris, Falsettos)) weren't up to that standard, but a couple of them felt out of place in their roles, and the book does really make it clear that they are the side characters compared to Piaf herself. 

This play may not be perfect and it may not be everyone. The Cockney accents that Piaf and Toine put on are a bit jarring at first... and they swear. A lot. I'm not a spring chicken in that regard or anything but do bear that in mind when you're coming to see the show - definitely leave the kids at home for this one. 

Having said that though, in my opinion, Piaf is worth watching for Russell alone. If you are remotely interested in Piaf, French music, culture or similar, go and see it. 

Piaf is at Leeds Playhouse until 7th August. Book tickets here