Peter Straker’s Brel

Veteran actor/singer Straker’s tribute to the Belgian troubadour saw a reflective Brel ruminating on his life and loves but, more importantly, presenting highlights from his incredible songbook. This was no impersonation though, as Straker immersed himself completely in the pathos and drama of each song, enhanced by his rich voice and knowing inflections. He strutted through ‘Jacky’, spat out the seedy ‘Amsterdam’ and tongue-twisted his way through a giddying ‘Carousel’. I felt the crushingly poignant ‘If You Go Away’ would have made a better choice to end with but this was a minor grumble in what was a truly compelling performance.

Komedia Studio, 14 May 2012

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