Louise Blackwell & The French Set bring a taste of Paris to Adelaide in the form of a stunning cabaret show.
Presented by: Louise Blackwell
Reviewed Saturday 20th March
Louise Blackwell is one of Adelaide’s hidden gems. In her show, Blackwell showcases her talent for jazz and reminisces with the audience on her years spent in France.
First premiering at the Fringe in 2016, the show is a love letter to Paris and a celebration of the great songwriters to come from France. The setlist featured songs from the likes of Leo Ferre, Georges Brassens, Jacques Brel, Barbara, Edith Piaf, Serge Gainsbourg, Jean Constantin, Juliette Greco and Yves Montand.
Blackwell is joined on stage by Mark Simeon Ferguson on keys, Julian Ferraretto on violin, John Aue on double bass and Josh Baldwin on drums, who all perform in perfect harmony.
Although a majority of the songs were in French, that is no obstacle for Blackwell’s great storytelling ability. Performing the songs in such an endearing and expressive way, the audience manages to become swept up in the soul of it all, no matter their fluency in the language.
Between numbers, Blackwell regales the audience on her time spent in France, recalling her years studying in Lyon and telling her guests about the acts she saw in jazz clubs that inspired her.
This show is not just for francophiles, but for any lover of music. Although the run is now over, we urge you to keep an eye out for what Louise Blackwell & The French Set are doing next.
Reviewed by Ali Falkai
Rating out of 5: 4
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