Isabelle Georges – Oh Là Là
Oh boy – can this lady sing! And move. Isabelle Georges is a force of nature – and it’s a very specifically Parisian force of nature.
From the very start, she dominates the room with her stage presence and her voice and movement. You’re in the presence of a brilliant performer, with a brilliant band to accompany her – piano, double bass, drums and sax/clarinet.
It’s a 7:45 show, but the mood is like that of a cabaret later at night. The candle-lit tables at the front of the gorgeous Spiegeltent are an excellent reason to join the queue early and grab these prime viewing spots. It’s all very, very French, with witty and smooth one-liners and introductions between the repertoire. “Gentlemen, never mock a woman’s choices. You’re one of them.”
The phrasing, approach and orchestration of songs like Jacques Brel’s anti-war “Next” and “Ne me quitte pas” (If you go away) are innovative, and she very much makes these her own versions. Introducing “If you go away” Isabelle ties this movingly to recent terrorist atrocities in France.
Her body language, helped by a first subtle, and then a second dramatic costume change, is electrifying. Her presence on the stage is full of energy and life – and her simple but irresistible message to us is to enjoy life, love and friends – today. Flowers are too late at a funeral. She also dances – and oh là là, does she dance! Too often tap dance seems cheesy – Georges carries off her tap routine with athleticism, panache and style.
This is a show that overflows with French joie de vivre. You can’t help but smile at the amazing phenomenon that is Isabelle Georges, and the music, the movement and the staging all combine to make over an hour of dazzling entertainment.
Get in the queue early, send your friends in to bag a front table while you grab a bottle of vin rouge, and then sit back to be entertained.
She’s dazzling, amazing, moving, brilliant. Oh là là!
5 stars
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Click to book tickets for Oh Là Là today
The Famous Spiegeltent (Venue 87)
Aug 23-29 7:45pm 1hr10m
