Dawn French trades her collar for a night at the opera


article-0-099CBB2F000005DC-162_468x315Sunday night saw the return of Dawn French to London’s Royal Opera House stage in the role of La Duchesse de Crackentorp in “La Fille de la Regiment“. French, who originally played the part to rave reviews in 2007, doesn’t sing, speaks her lines in English (with French subtitles) yet still, according to early reviews, commands the stage for her ten minute appearance.

article-1279030-038D07D6000005DC-721_468x345Much like her estranged husband, comedian Lenny Henry, French takes a well-deserved break from a brilliant comedic career (Vicar of Dibley, Wild West and Jam & Jerusalem) and tackles a more serious role. Earlier this year, Henry ditched comedy for Shakespeare when he played Othello at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds.

While I wish them well during this brief detour, selfishly, I want both their talents back in the comedy world soon.


In: Actors/Actresses,Comedy

  • Celeste

    Speaking of Dawn French, is there any chance of Lark Rise to Candleford coming to KERA any time soon?

    • Celeste – re: Lark Rise, probably not in the near future. At this point, we are set for Fall with Robin Hood, Life on Mars, Doc Martin (starting Martin Clunes) along with a couple of new Britcom series. It is something that is in the “possible” stack. The key is to determine just where it would air to maximize audience and not take away from other series already under contract. Keep asking, though, to remind me.

  • Did I hear correctly when it was said Dawn French would be in the KERA studio? Or did I dream that?