Sunday 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.

Much 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