Mistinguett

At eighteen, Jeanne Bourgeois was an 'added attraction' at the Eldorado: ten years later, as Mistinguett, she was the toast of Paris. During a career spanning sixty years, her temper and meanness became almost as famous as her panache of plumes, exotic costumes and a clutch of songs delivered in her quaint, inimitable style. Her love affairs with the famous mostly with men many years her junior made her infamous. The one with Maurice Chevalier made them the most renowned couple in Paris, but by her own admission the great love of her life was with the bisexual American dancer, Harry Pilcer, who shares centre-stage with her in this play. Colleagues and lovers alike were terrified of her, yet for her fans she could do no wrong. She was also the heroine of two world wars: as such when she died in 1956, she was laid in state at the Madeleine. David Bret's play contains her theme tune, 'Mon homme', along with his English adaptations of other famous Miss and Pilcer songs. There is some strong language.