PIAF - Written & Performed by Christine Bovill
at
Foxlowe Arts Centre
Leek
19:30
Description
Leek Arts Festival 2026 presents - Christine Bovill?s PIAF.
A chance discovery of an Edith Piaf record would prove a seminal moment in the life of the 14 year old girl from Glasgow- and set Christine Bovill on a fateful path through time into the world of France?s greatest musical icon.
No glamour. No gimmicks. No pretence. Nothing but a voice, singing of life?s triumphs and tragedies. Who was Edith Piaf? And how did she come to represent the spirit of Paris like no-one before or since?
PIAF, as much a play as it is a musical homage, is a funny, poignant and moving theatrical tribute to one of France?s most endearing icons; celebrating some of her best known songs, threaded with Piaf?s story, and Christine?s own remarkable journey in the world of chanson.
An award-winning songwriter in her own right, and recipient of Spirit of the Fringe, Bovill has toured throughout Europe and the Far East with her self-penned homage to the Little Sparrow, appearing on BBC Newsnight and on BBC Radio 4?s series, Soul Music.
PIAF was awarded the Fringe laurels for Total Sell Out Show 2011 and 2012. It received 5 STAR reviews from some of the most respected publications (including The Scotsman).
Despite the sorrow of Piaf?s story, this is an evening of celebration ? a tale of human triumph over tragedy; and, at its heart, a unique performance by a woman widely regarded as one of the finest interpreters of French Song.
?Something that will stay with you for the rest of your life? - Sunday Times
Tickets are £20 + booking fee
Description
Foxlowe Arts Centre is a community run arts centre for the people of Leek and The Staffordshire Moorlands.
Leek’s arts centre is housed in the historic building, Foxlowe, at the top of Leek’s market place.
Foxlowe Arts Centre opened its doors in December 2011 and has already gained a strong following from the local community and is attracting attention from further afield as well. Funded by individuals’ pledges, donations and trading proceeds and with the majority of the staff volunteering, this is truly a community arts centre for the people of Leek and the Staffordshire Moorlands.
With a popular café, bar, gallery, live performance space for music, drama, comedy, talks and a cinema, the Foxlowe Arts Centre has rapidly established a reputation as the go to place in Leek.
Foxlowe arts centre has limited parking at the back of the building for permit holders and disabled users only. Some workshops will include a parking permit spaces are available. To access the car park follow parking signs on Stockwell Street signed ‘P Short Stay, Council Offices’ and turn left after the first parking bays – this is the entrance to Foxlowe arts centre car park for permit holders, disabled users and others with permission e.g. workshop attendees.
Market Place,
Leek,
Staffordshire,
England,
ST13 6AD.
01538 386112
: £22.00