The Guide
Piaf’s spellbinding voice soars, but much is lost without translation
Camille O’Sullivan as Piaf sings with raw, raspy mettle in the musical biodrama of the legendary French singer’s life in the Gate Theatre, but those who are unfamiliar with the story should consider investing in a programme for context
In Eve McDonnell’s wonderfully atmospheric children’s novel The Chestnut Roaster, a young girl called Piaf makes a living selling her wares on the dangerous streets of Paris, where kidnappers lurk in the smog and children’s bones support the city underground. However, Piaf, whose name means “sparrow”, has a gift that will ensure her survival: with her remarkable memory and intuition, she manages to secure her family’s freedom and the city’s future.
The Chestnut Roaster came ...
