JACQUES BREL : A LIFE A THOUSAND TIMES (Une Vie a Mille Temps)

“A Superb and Heart-warming show” (Rob Carnegie, Fringe Review)
Remote Goat
Nominated for Best Show at Buxton Fringe 2015

After a hugely successful run at the Buxton Fringe in 2015, Stockport-based Far West Theatre return to the festival in 2016. Revised, rewritten and rejuvenated, the show will once again appear at the Green Man Gallery in Buxton on 8th, 13th, 17th, 23rd and 24th July (all at 7pm).

The seminal biopic of Jaques Brel, written by company member Simon Pennicott, incorporates his world famous songs, interspersed with his true words on the loves, lyrics and life of their famous creator. ‘A Life a Thousand Times’ is a celebration, presented as a musical conversation between Father and Daughter, set in cabaret style within the fabulous old ballroom that now houses the Gallery. The first of its kind to be approved by éditions Jacques Brel, headed by his beloved daughter, France, this promises to leave its audience with renewed love for Belgium’s favourite son.

Born in 1929, Jacques became the most successful chansonnier of his generation, later influencing such artists as Rod McKuen, David Bowie and Scott Walker. The show includes both well-known Brel classics and hidden gems, some in the original French and others featuring brand new English translations.

Far West Theatre was established in 2015. The name is taken from Brel’s 1973 film “Le Far West”, an inspirational tale of adults who decide to go in search of their childhood dreams, however impractical and this is the essence behind our company. Echoing this sentiment, it just so happens that two members of our team (the lead actress and assistant director) are pregnant, with both babies expected to be born by the start of June. However impractical it may be, the project still goes ahead, with rehearsals commencing at the start of July, with a crèche in full operation!

Writer of the show, Simon Pennicott, says: “The reaction to our run at Buxton in 2015 was so incredible that it was a very easy decision to come back again this year - but the show is not the same. It has been rewritten and improved, with new songs and cast, and with lots of time and effort expended on it. Last year, we impressed audiences. This year, we want to blow them away!” “We continue to receive invaluable support from the Brel estate, and it is our great hope that we can take the show on from Buxton, to London, Edinburgh and wider into Europe.”

Tickets are priced at £8.50 and include a glass of wine or a soft drink. Tickets can be purchased direct from the venue via their website (www.thegreenmangallery.com), email (hello@thegreenmangallery.com) or their telephone number 01298 937375.

For further information about the show, contact Simon Pennicott on 0783 3511980 or farwesttheatre@gmail.com.

Back to news