Exclusive member offer from Caroline Nin, My French Life™ – and Edith Piaf

aroline Nin cuts a striking figure on stage. Poised in black heels, her feet are connected to the stage with an electric purpose and power.

“Independent, spoilt and free,” was how she described herself in a previous interview with My French Life™. Two years after this interview took place, it seems that Nin is still embracing her free spirit, finding great success.

Sell out shows at the Sydney Opera House, London’s Royal Festival Hall and The Famous Spiegletent at the Edinburgh Festival are but the beginning. She has performed in New York, Berlin, Amsterdam, Melbourne and Auckland, and in 2012 earned a Helpmann Award nomination for Best Cabaret Performer.

From international acclaim, Nin now returns to her hometown of Paris: a journey coming full circle.

“When I’m not on tour, I spend my time walking the streets of Paris, my hometown, the most beautiful city in the world.”

“This is how I discovered the Essaïon Théâtre many years ago. A true historical gem in Paris, tucked away in a laneway by the Pompidou Centre, I’ve always promised myself that one day, I would perform in its intimate Cabaret Room.”

“After several performances of ‘Hymne à Piaf’, I start to transform into her. My posture changes. I feel as if she’s there with me.”

The theatre is intimate in all senses of the word: a brick-walled cavern with just a grand piano, Nin and the presence of Piaf floating metres away from the audience. “When I do the Piaf show, I know she’s there. It’s magical,” she told My French Life™.

Of her connection to the fantastical personality that is Edith Piaf, Nin continues to talk in spiritual terms.

“Edith Piaf has a strong power, just like Judy Garland, Billie Holiday and other geniuses who died too young and didn’t have enough time on this planet,” she said in a recent interview with ‘Out and About in Paris’.

“It’s the power of her soul. After several performances of ‘Hymne à Piaf’, I start to transform into her. My posture changes. I feel as if she’s there with me.”

And if she could ask Piaf any question: “I would ask about her version of spirituality. She seemed to be driven by her religion. You know, she always used to wear a necklace with a cross.”

Her favourite song to perform is ‘Hymne à l’amour’ an ode to Piaf’s tragically-fated lover, Marcel Cedan. “He was killed in a plane crash while flying from Paris to New York to see Piaf. So, he never heard it,” she told ‘Out and About in Paris’.

“When I tell the story during my show, people are in shock. I always see women reaching for the hands of their partners because we all understand how awful it would be to lose the love of our life. It’s a beautiful song that I sing in English.”

In Nin’s words there is evidence of deep thinking and connection: her relationship with la môme isn’t that of a fan to their idol, nor an artist studying their subject. It is as if she has performed alongside Piaf for longer than she can recall, as if the famed chanteuses have been applying their rouge each night together before making their way to the stage door.

Experience the magic of ‘Hymne à Piaf’ for yourself with a special offer, only for My French Life™ members.

Redeem an exclusive member price when you book tickets to see ‘Hymne à Piaf’ in Paris.

Simply mention ‘My French Life’ along with the code ‘Edith’ when booking your tickets, and your ticket price will magically reduce from 25€ to 20€ per ticket.

Book online or call the English-speaking booking line: 06 16 27 90 58 (from within France) or + 33 6 16 27 90 58 (from abroad).

To which famous French personality do you have a special connection? Share your experiences in the comments box below.