‘When you write a song, most of the words you use are in black and white, and then, from time to time, you use one that’s in colour. These words in colour are a part of ourselves, because we give them a meaning. If you like, we give them a third dimension’ – Jacques Brel.
Local Theatre Company Gambolling Arena makes their debut at one of Liverpool’s newest creative venues, 81 Renshaw Street, on the 21st and 22nd February with a brand new show about the famous singer songwriter Jacques Brel. The company toured ‘Jacques Brel is alive and well and living in Paris’ for many years to widespread acclaim but decided to create a new piece about the Belgian chansonnier when new arrival Simon Pennicott joined the company. Artistic Director Suzy Walker said “As soon as I met Simon I thought he would be a wonderful Jacques Brel – he inspired us to create a fresh new show around Brel’s superlative songs.”
Simon Pennicott wasn’t aware of the work of Jacques Brel prior to his involvement with Gambolling Arena but soon became a convert even going so far as to write the piece having studied interviews with and about Brel and read several biographies and autobiographies. “This has been a fantastic experience for me as a performer and I feel that I have learnt so much from Brel, he is such an inspirational artist and had such an interesting life, I just hope I have done it justice.”
Born in Belgium in 1929, Brel became the “Voice of Paris” during the 1950s and 1960s writing over 300 songs. He is viewed as one of the 20th century’s most talented singer-songwriters and is widely acknowledged as among the inspirations of many contemporary musicians from David Bowie to Bob Dylan via Leonard Cohen! Brel’s blend of the highly personal and the delicately subversive won him many devoted admirers, with songs being covered by artists such as Scott Walker, Nina Simone and Marc Almond!
81 Renshaw St is an independently ran arts cafe and creative space, has supported over 60 arts companies and individuals since opening its doors over a year ago. The cafe’s owner Bronwen Ebdon (no stranger to treading the boards herself) is committed to providing an independent alternative to the coffee and restaurant chains that litter the city centre. With a fantastic venue at the back of the cafe it’s no surprise that it’s hosted musical theatre, open mic nights, innovative theatre, art exhibitions, album launches and writing workshops. ‘Une Vie A Mille Temps’ will combine the great food that is synonymous with the cafe with top class entertainment, as 81 Renshaw St is transformed into a mini Belgium, serving classic Belgian dish ‘Moules-frites’ (a vegetarian option is also available), Belgian beer and wine.
This may be Gambolling Arena Theatre Company’s first show at 81 Renshaw St but it won’t be their last, there are already plans afoot for a production of ‘The Vagina Monologues’ on the 9th March to coincide with International Women’s Day.
Tickets for the evening at 81 Renshaw Streer are priced at £15 and include the classic French dish ‘Moules-frites’ and a glass of Belgian beer or wine. Attendees are advises to phone in advance if they would prefer a vegetarian or alcohol-free option.