Last Updated on 25 May 2021 by Showcall Editorial Team
Sally Ann Triplett, Laura Pitt-Pulford, Garry Robson and Samuel James are among cast joining Jenna Russell in Pam Gems’ Piaf at Nottingham Playhouse and Leeds Playhouse
Sally Ann Triplett and Laura Pitt-Pulford are among cast joining Jenna Russell in the revival of Pam Gems’ play, Piaf, in Nottingham and Leeds.
The line-up will also include Garry Robson, Louis Gaunt, Samuel James, Matthew Woodyatt, Joseph Prowen and Zheng Xi Yong.
Telling the story of legendary singer Edith Piaf, it runs at Nottingham Playhouse from 2 to 17 July before transferring to Leeds Playhouse where it will run in the Courtyard Theatre from 23 July to 7 August. Postponed from last year due to Covid-19, it is directed by Adam Penford, artistic director of Nottingham Playhouse.
Nottingham Playhouse will transform its auditorium into a Parisian cabaret, with the opportunity to book cabaret-style seating.
It will sell seats based on Government plans to lift compulsory social distancing in June. However, if official advice changes, necessary adjustments will be made to protect audiences and staff.
Penford said: “We are thrilled to announce that Piaf will finally be performed this summer. Edith Piaf’s life was shocking, hilarious and heart-breaking; she lived life to the full. The life-affirming story, combined with those iconic songs, makes for an unforgettable, celebratory night of theatre – which is exactly what we want to give people on their first visit following the pandemic.”
The creative team also includes designer Frankie Bradshaw, lighting designer Jack Knowles, sound designer Ella Wahlström and musical director, arranger and orchestrator Gareth Valentine. Georgina Lamb is movement director, Félicité du Jeu will be dialect coach and Will Burton is casting director.
The play tells the extraordinary life story of Edith Piaf, played by Russell, drawing on the French singer’s most famous songs such as La Vie en Rose and Je Ne Regrette Rien.
Sally Ann Triplett, who is close friends with Russell in real life, will play Piaf’s best friend and confidante, Toine – the first time the two actors have performed together since the original West End production of Sondheim’s Follies 30 years ago. It is also a return to the Playhouse for Triplett as she played Judy Garland in My Judy Garland Life in 2014.
Laura Pitt-Pulford will play Marlene Dietrich while Garry Robson will be taking the role of Louis Leplée – the nightclub owner who discovered Piaf.
Louis Gaunt will play Piaf’s husband Theo, Samuel James will play Bruno, owner and manager of the Paris Olympia music venue, Matthew Woodyatt will play Raymond, Joseph Prowen will be Louis, and Zheng Xi Yong will take the role of Lucien.
