Extra Dates Added For PIAF At Curve Theatre, Starring Ruffelle

Following the overwhelming audience response and unprecedented ticket demand for the recently opened production of Piaf,Curve has announced additional performance dates from 3 - 6 April 2013.

The production currently showing in Curve's Studio will be transferred into the larger Theatre space, with Frances Ruffelle continuing in the title role as the legendary French chanteuse, Edith Piaf.

Artistic Director Paul Kerryson commented, "The additional run is a credit to our talented company who have brought the story of Edith Piaf to life, as well as a testament to the timeless appeal of Piaf's music."

Fiona Allan, Curve's Chief Executive, added, "We're delighted with the exceptional audience response we've had for this production, with people travelling to Leicester from across the country to see it. Curve's reputation for produced work continues to grow nationally, and we are particularly pleased that demand for tickets to Piaf allows us to transfer this production from our Studio space to the Theatre. We hope that those who were unable to get tickets for the February/March season will book now to come in April and see the show that everyone is talking about."

Planning is also underway for a national tour of the production, following the performances at Curve; full details to be confirmed at a later date.

Known to all as 'Piaf', the sparrow that rose from the streets of Paris to the international stage, Edith Gassion's life and career is as unique as her extraordinary singing voice. Over one hundred thousand people brought Paris to a standstill on the occasion of her untimely death 50 years ago in 1963.

This new production of Pam Gems' play features some of Piaf's greatest songs, such as La Vie en Rose, Hymne à l'amour and Non Je Ne Regrette Rien. This gripping, powerful story, which contains strong language and scenes of a sexual nature, celebrates the life of one of France's greatest cultural icons. Piaf explores the triumphs and tragedy that accompanied Edith Gassion's rise to fame and the intense scrutiny and struggle that came with it.

The original production of Piaf was at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1979. This new Curve production celebrates the extraordinary life of Edith Gassion on the 50th anniversary of her death.