Person to Person: Bringing my sell-out smash hit one woman play, Piaf to Pop to Cork

Tell us about yourself:

I am a Glasgow born singer songwriter, known for my work in theatre with my self-penned shows around French Song. I really have a twinned career - that of singer songwriter with guitar and that of troubadour with my theatre shows. 

My play "Piaf" was written about my connection with Edith Piaf from the age of 14 and the incredible journey it has taken me on, touring all over the world.. In all my shows, at the heart of things are the songs. But the storytelling and humour play a very important part too.

Among my more recent shows, I am now bringing my latest offering, Paris to Pop to the Everyman in October. What happened to the high art of French Song when the 60's revolution reached French shores...?

I was, in fact, a secondary school teacher of English and French in Glasgow for many years while my music ambitions incubated....I taught by day and sang by night. When I began writing my own songs and released my first album, I quit the classroom for good. 

Massively influenced by the greats such as Bob Dylan, the Everly Brothers and especially Leonard Cohen, my own material stirs in the tangle of folk rock, chanson and blues....

I have collaborated with many other writers and had the surreal joy of finding one of my songs, Sur Mon Ile de Reve, appear on Ant Man and The Wasp!

I am currently touring and working on my third album.

When I am home, spending as much time walking on the beach and swimming in the sea keep me sane...

Where were you born?

Glasgow

Where do you live?

Troon, Ayrshire

Family?

No children, sadly. I have two wonderful sisters, mum and dad. and 2 nephews and a niece.!

Best friend?

My partner, Luke.

Earliest childhood memory?

Taking a bow on the long leafy avenue of Kelvinway in Glasgow. My godfather took the pic of two year old me and it made it onto my first album cover.

Person you most admire? 

He has sadly departed, but I have forever admired Leonard Cohen- the man as much as the artist. He holds a very deep place in my heart. The poetry and wisdom in his soul and in his writing guides me still.

Person who most irritates you?

Donald Trump. No explanations necessary.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

I would have to say South India. I have had two extended holidays there. The most beautiful country, wonderful food, extraordinary traditions and culture. Most importantly these were trips that taught me so much about humankind. 

I found the people to be the most gracious and grateful I ever met - even when they had not much more than the clothes on their back. 

I came home with a very humbled heart, thinking how easy life is here in comparison. I’d return in a heartbeat.

Favourite TV programme?

I've never been a massive TV person. Recently, I have loved Schitt's Creek, Fargo and Happy Valley.

Favourite radio show?

I listen to BBC RADIO 4 and BBC Radio 3. I had a beautiful time on Marty Whelan's RTÉ show just before I played the Dublin Olympia. Superb gent!

Your signature dish if cooking?

I’m a food obsessive. I spend all my free time experimenting in the kitchen. I'd say I do quite well with a variety of curries.

Favourite restaurant?

In my home town of Glasgow it was always Balbir's but it is no longer operating sadly. As a foodie, I'm looking for recommendations in Cork. It looks like a great hub for fine fare.

Last book you read?

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Terrific read.

Best book you read?

Tough one. In a previous life I was an English teacher. I did really love Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Saffran Foer. Beautiful, brilliant and heartbreaking.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Essential Serge Gainsbourg. Research for my new show. Maverick artist and astonishing songwriter.

Favourite song?

You cannot possibly ask me this!!!! I could say my favourite 100 perhaps. Ok…. If I were pushed at this moment I’d say - right now- Beth Hart's Tell Her You Belong To Me.

One person you would like to see in concert?

No longer with us : Jacques Brel Living: Lewis Capaldi.

Do you have a pet?

Just said goodbye to my cocker spaniel of 11 years, Poppy. Without exaggeration I’m finding life quite unbearable without her. She was everything - the funniest, happiest and most loyal little girl.

Morning person or night owl?

Now that’s an easy one. I ADORE the morning. 6 am is a perfect rise (unusual for a singer maybe) I’m writing a song called Don’t Let The Morning Pass You By. Everything about it. The air, the light, the hope of good things to come….

Your proudest moment?

Professionally, it has to be when Charles Dumont, Edith Piaf’s great friend and composer of Je ne Regrette Rien, made the journey from Paris to the Edinburgh Fringe to accompany me on stage. Surreal. Life changing.

Spendthrift or saver?

Both! When you freelance, you have to save for a rainy day.

What makes you happy?

Cooking at home - my kitchen looks onto the sea and the Isle of Arran. Paradise. I love feeding people more than anything.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a good egg!

What else are you up to at the moment?

A very busy season ahead. Touring all over UK, France and Ireland with my various shows. Also writing my third album.

Most importantly, I'm very excited to return to Cork. I am bringing my new show, PIAF to POP to the Everyman Theatre on October 19. Can't wait. My family comes from Ireland on both side and I am lucky to have toured all over. Cork has been very kind to me.

For tickets see https://everymancork.com/events/piaf-to-pop-christine-bovill/