French Toast, an uproarious comedy by France’s acclaimed playwright Jean Poiret (La Cage aux Folles) lands on the English stage for the first time in a glittering new adaptation.
A little bit rude, a little bit sexy - with a few songs….
Basingstoke, 1977. Director Simon Monk thinks his musical adaptation of the classic French play Phedre will be his come-back ticket to England.
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| Photo by Lidia Crisafulli |
Jacqueline Bremont, a French theatre diva, has decided that it will be the role of her life.
But there are just a few minor details to iron out: she can’t sing, she can’t dance, and Simon has no intention of casting her.
Can the show survive a cavalcade of rampaging egos, romantic entanglements and linguistic lapses? Bonne chance!
Ahead of a run at Riverside Studios we chat to Edith Vernes who is playing Jacquelie Bremont in the production.
What can you tell me about the show and your role within the piece please?
French Toast is an English adaptation of a French play by Jean Poiret.
What can you tell me about the show and your role within the piece please?
French Toast is an English adaptation of a French play by Jean Poiret.
My character is Jacqueline Brémont, not only a great French tragedian but the owner of a beautiful parisian theatre. She rules over her kingdom ; Of course she is a Diva . She is used to things going her way. She lives for the Theatre and would probably die for it.
How have you approached the beginnings of developing the role?
I think a lot about her when I am alone , and we do loads of impros in rehearsal witch helps building the character and the relationships between all of them.
I think a lot about her when I am alone , and we do loads of impros in rehearsal witch helps building the character and the relationships between all of them.
How do you prepare yourself both mentally and physically for a run in a show?
I always approach a role physically, I try dances, I try movements, different ways of walking and different ways of talking.
I always approach a role physically, I try dances, I try movements, different ways of walking and different ways of talking.
Have you done any research whilst preparing for the role?
The play takes place in the 1970’s, so I looked at how French actresses behaved at that time - As it is a comedy, I watched many funny actresses to find inspiration.
The play takes place in the 1970’s, so I looked at how French actresses behaved at that time - As it is a comedy, I watched many funny actresses to find inspiration.
Why do you believe now is the right time for this piece to play its first run in London?
We are celebrating the 100 years anniversary of the “Entente Cordiale” between the British and the French, so it is the perfect timing to show a play about the relationships between our two countries with humour and lightness. Making fun of both and emphasising how British see the French and vice and versa.
We are celebrating the 100 years anniversary of the “Entente Cordiale” between the British and the French, so it is the perfect timing to show a play about the relationships between our two countries with humour and lightness. Making fun of both and emphasising how British see the French and vice and versa.
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| Photo by Lidia Crisafulli |
I am very happy because I truly love this play, I loved it in French when it was called “ Féfé de Broadway “ and I love it even more in English! The music and songs (composed by Leo Elso) are so catchy , you want to sing them all day long
I think the British audience will enjoy how the play highlights the franco-british cultural clashes.
I think the British audience will enjoy how the play highlights the franco-british cultural clashes.
If your character was a biscuit, what biscuit would she be and why?
I would say a lemon tart with meringue on the top : Looks sweet on the top but is bitter inside. Jacqueline is probably the opposite : bitter outside and sweet inside
I would say a lemon tart with meringue on the top : Looks sweet on the top but is bitter inside. Jacqueline is probably the opposite : bitter outside and sweet inside
Where did your performing career begin and how did you pursue it as a career?
I started my career in Paris in 1990 with Patrice Chéreau and went on with many different plays and directors in France; I was lucky to always be offered strong roles in diverse productions until I moved to London in 2012
I started my career in Paris in 1990 with Patrice Chéreau and went on with many different plays and directors in France; I was lucky to always be offered strong roles in diverse productions until I moved to London in 2012
How do you reflect on the journey of your career to date?
I consider myself lucky to have been able to be an actress both in France and in the UK. Since I arrived here in 2012, I have done many plays in French with English surtitles in collaboration with Marianne Badrichani and they were sellouts every time …
I consider myself lucky to have been able to be an actress both in France and in the UK. Since I arrived here in 2012, I have done many plays in French with English surtitles in collaboration with Marianne Badrichani and they were sellouts every time …
What keeps you inspired?
Developing new projects and working with people that make me grow as an artist and as a person.
Developing new projects and working with people that make me grow as an artist and as a person.
What do you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I really hope the audience feels joyful and uplifted , laughs and maybe feel a little moved too…
I really hope the audience feels joyful and uplifted , laughs and maybe feel a little moved too…
Where can audiences see the show?
At the Riverside Studios from the 3rd October to the 26th of October!
At the Riverside Studios from the 3rd October to the 26th of October!
Tickets are available from https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/french-toast-119985/
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| Photo by Lidia Crisafulli |
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