Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris
by Jacques Brel, Mort Shuman and Eric Blau
Charing Cross Theatre
16 October – 22 November 2014
“If We Only Have Love…”
Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris is a musical revue of the greatest works by one of the most prolific, Belgian singer-songwriters of all time. This production uses the definitive English translations of Brel’s works by Mort Shurman and Eric Blau accompanied by the orchestral arrangements by Eric Svejcar from the 2006 Off-Broadway production (Zipper Theater, New York City). The 2006 production was the longest running and most successful
revival of the show, nominated for several awards including the Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle.
Often haunting, sometimes funny, heart-wrenching and vividly poetic, the songs of Jacques Brel explore the human condition through honest storytelling, with themes of joy and sorrow, love and loss, war and peace and life and death.
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Gina Beck. David Burt. Daniel Boys. Eve Polycarpou.
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Directed by Andrew Keates.
Musical Direction by Dean Austin.
Choreography by Sam Spencer Lane.
Production Design by Chris de Wilde.
Lighting Design by Mike Robertson.
Sound Design by James Nicholson and Paul Gavin.
PR by Chloe Nelkin Consulting.Produced by Steven M. Levy and Sean Sweeney.
“An evening which reaches a triumphant conclusion in a flurry of classics…”
Clive Davis, The Times
“superb direction by Andrew Keates, fantastic songs and a really amazing cast of talented performers make this a ‘must-see’ production for any music lover. I don’t know about Paris, but Jacques Brel is currently truly alive and well, under the arches in London’s West End”
★★★★ Terry Eastham, LondonTheatre1.com
“Andrew Keates’ production creates and maintains a smoky Gallic atmosphere … This show brings the songwriter back to life.”
★★★★ Greg Jameson, Entertainment Focus
“An expertly presented show.”
★★★★ Plays to See
“It is rare to find a show as delicate as this in the sea of big, flashy productions… A revival like this is rare and special”
★★★★ The New Current
“Andrew Keates’ confident, well performed production gives us a welcome reminder of a great talent”
★★★★ The Public Reviews
“Aches with noir-ish, Parisian sensuality…you won’t want to leave Paris behind come night’s end.’
★★★★ Laura Foulger, The Upcoming
“Under the direction of Andrew Keates …Brel’s complex songs are given a fresh perspective and a new lease of life.”
Paul in London
“an enjoyable French fancy of a show.”
There Ought to be Clowns
“This is an evening of delight and pure homage.”
Elaine Pinkus, UK Theatre Network
