This week's theatre

What everyone's talking about at the theatre this week and coming soon...

Piaf
Extraordinary French singer Edith Piaf continues to be remembered and revered for her exceptional voice and incredible life. In this new production of Piaf, Pam Gems reworks her 1978 play, bringing to life the singer's rise and fall from the streets of Paris to worldwide fame. Argentinean actress Elena Roger, who made her West End debut in the recent revival of Evita, plays the title role.
Until 20 September, Donmar Warehouse, Earlham Street WC2H: 0870 060 6624

Image of Elena Roger by M.Brenner

Anna And Rose; Weapons of Mass Seduction
Based on a true story from 1920s North Africa, Anna And Rose, tells the tale of the first death penalty sentence for women, following a mass killing spree by two serial killing sisters that shook the country. Filled with suspense, and set in Casablanca at the heart of French Colonialism, it features a seductive and sensual blend of bellydancing, Burlesque and flamenco. Diverse cultures are united with passionate romance, and songs in Spanish, Hebrew and Arabic fuse styles and cultures to create a unique work.
12-31 August, The Courtyard, Bowling Green Walk, 40 Pitfield Street N1:0870 163 0717

Calendar Girls - coming soon!
You saw the film, now prepare to see the stage version of the WI ladies who bared all for a charity calendar that propelled them to global fame. The new stage play by Tim Firth, adapted from his own screenplay, will star Lynda Bellingham, Patricia Hodge, Sian Phillips, Gaynor Faye, Brigit Forsyth, Julia Hills and Elaine C Smith. It previews at Chichester Festival Theatre from 5 September, before going on a major national tour and then alighting in the West End.
Tickets can be booked at www.seecalendargirls.com

Nude shot: Calendar Girls; Gaynor Faye 'Celia', Patricia Hodge 'Annie', Sian Phillips 'Jessie', Lynda Bellingham 'Chris', Elaine C Smith 'Cora' & Julia Hills 'Ruth' – John Swannell