Hymn to Love

BY DEVISED BY ANNIE CASTLEDINE, STEVE TRAFFORD, AND ELIZABETH MANSFIELD.

DIRECTED BY DAMIAN CRUDEN.

25 July -
18 August 2018

Overview

“I’m singing tonight. There’s nothing else. Nothing but singing.”

In a Manhattan hotel room, Edith Piaf rehearses for her last US concert. But for Piaf the hotel holds memories. Eight years earlier she had telephoned her lover, boxer Marcel Cerdan, begging him to overcome his fear of flying and leave France to be with her. Hours later she heard the terrible news that his plane had crashed. Marcel was dead.

An extraordinary musical homage to Piaf, Hymn to Love explores love, loss and longing with 13 of Piaf’s songs, each given fresh meaning in vibrant new translations.

Damian Cruden is Artistic Director of York Theatre Royal, and his production of The Railway Children won an Olivier Award in 2011.

Elizabeth Mansfield was nominated for a Best Actress Olivier Award for her performance as Marie Lloyd in Marie, and has worked at most of the UK’s leading theatres.


People

Patrick Bridgman
Accompanist
Pianist and actor Patrick has performed at Theatre by the Lake, Hull Truck, York Theatre Royal, Birmingham Rep, and in ITV's Emmerdale and Coronation Street.
Elizabeth Mansfield
Edith Piaf
Elizabeth was nominated for an Olivier Award and London Theatre Award for her performance in musical Marie.

Annie Castledine
Devisor
Steve Trafford
Playwright and translator
Elizabeth Mansfield
Devisor
Damian Cruden
Director
Andrew J Lindsay
Lighting design
Yvonne Gilbert
Sound design


Media

“A triumph!”
The Independent

 
“Mansfield delivers the famous songs superbly.”
The Guardian

 
“Beautifully staged ... electrifying singing.”
The Telegraph

 
“Pianist Patrick Bridgman is perfect, not only musically, but as Piaf's long-suffering foil.”
Morning Star

 
“With precision and emotion, her voice never falters as Piaf's spirit flutters in the room.”
Broadway World

 
“A fine, dramatic performance.”
Musical Theatre Review
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