So there we are, safe and sound in Harrogate .
As usual we've been running and rushing.
Since the last weblogs there have been weeks
where we performed 4 different shows:
Isabelle was on stage with the Sirba Octet at the Mogador Theatre,
I toured with Chopin, chanson de Daniel in Holland,
we performed Judy and Me in Compiègne,
and I did a couple of concerts of my own songs.
Of course good news never comes alone,
and so just before leaving for Harrogate,
we both were in front of the cameras:
Isabelle starred in a commercial singing a Johnny Hallyday song,
and I got to be Charlotte Rampling's boyfriend for a few lines
in a new movie from Antoine de Caunes.
The 780 kilometres after the day of shooting were quite a drive,
and I arrived late at night in the cottage the theatre has rented for us.
British highways are no more exciting than French ones and
I wouldn't know anything about the tunnel; I slept the whole way through.
Next morning I started to set-up and focus lights for the show.
Many thanks to: Paul, Charlie and Spanner, for your input and enthusiasm.
Isabelle flew in right after she had left her set
and arrived in the late afternoon at the theatre.
We were just beginning to program the cues
and were supposed to do a run-through but we just didn't get there.
We finished the set-up at 11pm.
The opening night on Saturday was a success.
We didn't expect so much response from the audience.
They were almost having just as much fun as we did.
Sue, John, thank you for the flowers.
More good news is that Isabelle's new record is out:
Something to Live For with jazz pianist René Urtreger.
It's beautiful and I would advise anyone to get a copy or even more.
It's on presale in a very limited number at our merchandise stand
next to another very limited item: A Judy and Me champagne!
From June 8th until June18th we'll be, with a new show,
on the Montréal St-Ambroise Fringe Festival in Canada. To be followed.
We couldn't wish better for Christmas and let me put it this way,
as John Lennon puts it so well, to all of you:
So this is Xmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Xmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear ones
The old and the young
A very Merry Xmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
War is ooo-ver ...
Just wishing wars really were over.
More news from Harrogate will follow.
Merry Christmas,
Frédérik .