Edith Piaf, who died in 1963, was a legend in her own time. Insignificant off-stage, she was mesmeric in performance, a world-acclaimed mistress of the chanson.

Although she rose from being a humble street singer to one of the highest paid artistes in the world, she was unsophisticated and never forgot her roots in the back streets of Paris.

Now the Talisman Theatre brings Piaf to Blockley.

Pam Gems' play will be performed at St George's Hall, Blockley, tonight at 7.30pm.

Many of her songs like Je Ne Regrette Rien and La Vie En Rose reflected the defiance and despair of her own tragic life, prematurely ended by addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Pam Gems' play provides a kaleidoscopic view of her life with many colourful characters that passed through it, enriched by a clutch of her most memorable songs.

The title role is played by Ali Watson, known throughout Warwickshire for playing leading roles for musical societies.

After a weeks run at Kenilworth the Talisman is bringing the production, set and all, for one performance only to Blockley at the request of the parish council, Blockley Playhouse Committee.

Piaf, originally presented at the RSC's Other Place, Stratford, in 1978, and starring Jane Lapotaire, is directed by Blockley resident Williams Wilkinson who has worked professionally for 26 years with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

There is strong language throughout the play.

Tickets are available from the Blockley Post Office or Murray's Delicatessen, Blockley.