Show Description:
Nikki Nouveau presents the intriguing life and times of legendary Parisian artist Edith Piaf through song and story. Delivered in French and English, this spellbinding and romantic show features classic numbers Padam, La Vie En Rose, Non Je Ne Regrette Rien along with other timeless pieces.
No Regrets eloquently weaves a tale of passion, tragedy and triumph taking the audience on a musical journey through songs right from the earliest days of Piaf’s singing career, when she was singing on street corners, through to the peak of her career as the toast of Paris and New York, and finally her tragic untimely death. Featuring piano and accordion.
A must see for lovers of all things French and little sparrow fans!
Producer/Writer/Vocalist/Narrator:
Nikki Nouveau
Director:
Natalie Gamsu (Strictly Ballroom, Ladies In Black, Ali’s Wedding)
Reviews:
“At times sexy, soulful, flirtatious or just simply hot, Nikki sang and reminisced the story of France’s Little Sparrow. Accompanied by musicians on accordion, piano and violin, Nikki weaves French and English narration in between the timeless beauty and emotion of Piaf’s songs. An exceedingly enjoyable evening out”
– Theatre Now
“Sydney’s cabaret lovers, jazz aficionados and ‘little sparrow’ fanatics were offered a rare treat when Nikki Nouveau brought her Edith Piaf tribute to The Basement. Nouveau has been winning over Melbourne audiences throughout the year with No Regrets – The Edith Piaf Story.
From early on in the performance, it is obvious that this is a sincere and well considered tribute to an artist Nouveau has great appreciation for. She steers clear of fluffiness and gimmicks in order to produce a respectful and entertaining set. Accompanied by Marcello Maio on piano and accordion and Natalija May on violin, this show doesn’t go over-the-top in providing an authentic musical experience which drips with talent and skill.
Nouveau’s wisest move may have been the decision not to flat-out impersonate Piaf, but to place herself as one artist paying homage to another. From the Piaf-inspired fashion cues displayed over two outfits, to the gradual incorporation of hand gestures which mirror Piaf’s own performance evolution – and of course, her stunning vocal range, delivered in both English and French.
She takes the audience on a musical journey through songs right from the earliest days of Piaf’s singing career, when she was singing on street corners, through to the peak of her career as the toast of Paris and New York, and her tragic and untimely death. Along the way she speaks about Piaf’s greatest loves, losses, and intense loneliness. This is a history lesson for those of us who are less well versed on Piaf’s life and work, and a delightful retelling for the die-hard fans.
Sydney would be lucky to have this sumptuous cabaret grace our city again”
– Alt Media
Venues and Tours:
Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne – Sold out seasons! 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Doo-Bop Jazz Bar, Brisbane – Sold out seasons! 2018, 2019, 2023
The Vanguard Sydney, NSW – Sold out shows 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Cardinia Cultural Centre Pakenham, VIC – Full house! 2019
Taltarni Winery Moonambel, VIC – Sold out Dinner and Show VIP event 2019
The Engine Room, The Capital Bendigo, VIC – Sold out show 2019
Salamanca Arts Centre Hobart, TAS – Sold out shows 2018, 2019
Wollongong Town Hall – Music Lounge – Sold out Bastille Day show! 2018
Lizotte’s Newcastle – Sold Out Lunch and Show Package! 2017, 2018
Le Très Bon French Restaurant, Bungendore – Sold Out Dinner and Show Package! 2017
The Duplex Cabaret & Piano Bar, New York City – Full House! 2017
The Basement, Sydney – Sold out seasons! 2016, 2017
The Paragon, Blue Mountains – Sold out seasons! 2016, 2017
Show Images:
Photo: Len Panecki
Photo: Roberto Duran
Photo: Kieran McNamara