Fringe 2016 – Exposing Edith – Spiegeltent – Garden of Unearthly Delights – Rating 5K – Review by Julie Robins

By Julie Robins

On a balmy Monday night in the Garden we were transported to 1930s Paris and the world of Edith Piaf.  The Spiegeltent was the packed out venue for the Fringe finale of Exposing Edith.  Presented by the talented raconteur and chanteuse Michaela Burger, and beautifully accompanied by Greg Wain on guitar and occasional vocals, this cabaret show focussed on Piaf’s life from around the age of twenty.  (With a wonderful one minute musical intro which covered her childhood).

Michaela slipped effortlessly in and out of character, from a very convincing Edith, to the girl from Coober Pedy who became obsessed with Piaf when she was studying in France many years ago, and back again. Utilising a mix of storytelling and musical classics, as well as lesser known works, she took us on an emotional ride through Piaf’s loves and heartbreaks, career highs and lows, ilnesses and injuries.  It was a brilliant portrayal of her vulnerability, feistiness, strength and passion.  Greg Wain’s gentle vocals, particularly on the lovely duet of Autumn Leaves, and expert guitar playing complement her powerful, feisty, emotional voice.

The initially restrained audience were soon drawn into exuberant applause, laughter, cheering, and sighing.  Fans of Edith Piaf should certainly enjoy every aspect of this show.  Those who have never heard of her will be enthused to hear more.

Kryztoff Rating 5K

Leave a Reply