The venue for our final week’s performances of BambinO is the CentQuatre, it is a huge exhibition and performance space owned and financed by the City of Paris. We are using one of the many smaller performances areas within this amazing building, which in total covers over 25,000 square metres and can accommodate over 5000 visitors per day.
I discovered that the building has over 200 artists in residence and provides a varied and intriguing mix of both live performances and static Art exhibitions. It is hard to visualise that this building originally housed the city undertakers for Paris, for over 120 years it employed over 1000 people who arranged over 150 funeral processions each day. In 1993 the municipal monopoly on the provision of funerals came to end and the building finally closed in 1998. Luckily the building was registered as a historical monument and with the backing of the people of Paris, the Mayor went about finding out the best way to both safeguard and reuse the space. In 2008 I think that they achieved both when it reopened in its current configuration, and I hope that it continues to provide Parisians with a place to socialise, a grand exhibition space, and somewhere to enjoy a wide variety of live performances.
Our run here at CentQuatre finishes on the Friday 20th April, which will also mark the end of our short tour here in Paris for the Théâtre du Châtelet. It has been a wonderful time with some amazing venues and I will be sad to say goodbye when we have to leave next Saturday, so instead, I’ll just say au revoir.
Some press links :
Have a great time, know that you will. On to New York for more BambinO. You are one very busy lady! Best Wishes to you Charlotte, Darlene
I’m super busy, I have been preparing two opera scenes for when I get back after the New York run, and trying to learn some new Poulenc with the French speakers here, everyone is being very encouraging of that.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Bravo ! It was nice to see you on french Tv. Wish you the best !
Merci, I’ve been practicing my French language I hope you will be surprised at my progress the next time we speak.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I’m sure :-), j’en suis sure 🙂 !
Great time, dear Charlotte! Enjoy these wonderful days!
I am, I’m very grateful for the opportunity. Paris is just a gorgeous place to make my home this month.
Best wishes
Charlotte
🙂
I’ve never been to Le Centquartre, but it looks great. Glad you could perform there.
Thank you, me too.
Best wishes
Charlotte
So cool that you were on TV! Enjoy the rest of the week! 🙂
Thank you Stephanie, there has been a lot of press interest which is really super. The show was sold out quickly.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Great! I am wondering you spoke french to these cute children after the show too 🙂
Yes, I’ve been practicing a lot, its fabulous. Listening and understanding is always the hardest for me as it’s the least practiced skill and this visit is helping a lot with that.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congrats on the successful shows in Paris! The children must have enjoyed your performances. Hugs xx
Lots of interviewers ask if there is much difference between the Scottish, English and French babies and I must say that every single show is quite unique wherever it is, something unexpected will happen, the other day a baby just sat on the pillow on Tim’s head and I managed to distract them away 😂.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Bravo! I feel all tingly seeing you in such a magical setting. The TV clip was fabulous.
My friend found it online and sent it to me, just lovely. I’ve been getting braver answering some interview questions in French with the support and encouragement of the wonderful Châtelet team here.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Bravo then to your good friend also. A wonderful encouragement. I am sure you are charming all the interviewers. Stand by for the fan mail 🙂
As ever, fascinating post. I haven’t been in Paris since before 1993 so knew nothing about this venue; it sounds wonderful.
PS. Super photos, especially that with the babies’ audience!
My friend David from the SO team takes the photos he does an amazing job keeping everything running like a dream.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I discovered many museums are free under 26 so I have tried to see some I haven’t been in before like the Pompidou Centre, I wouldn’t have come across this or enter the conservatoire so it’s been great to see.
Best wishes
Charlotte
What an amazing venue and such a history! Great photos. Many, many congrats all round.
Thank you, it’s nice performing with friends and the babies are so cute, yesterday I had a few bring me the pillows and I stacked them up high and they just love knocking them back over, I want to laugh sometimes when I’m singing!
Best wishes
Charlotte
What a lovely venue, it looks amazing. Love the photos and you all look fantastic. Next stop, New York! 😘
Whoo hoo, you must get Terry to take you on a Paris break in Spring.
Best wishes
Charlotte
How interesting! Glad to see you are enjoying your time in Paris x
Thanks Christine, I’m loving it 💖, a day off today and it’s beautiful weather, I’m going to get some food soon.
Best wishes
Charlotte
A sight to see in Paris that you don’t often hear about. I hope the rest of your stay goes as well.
I agree, I’ve a day off today so I’ve been out and about and yesterday between shows I just soaked up all of the different activities at this venue, it’s very well used. Thanks GP, I’ve loved living in Paris there’s a wonderful cultural life and the streets are teaming with people socialising together each evening.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I’m so pleased you are enjoying your time in Paris, and getting to practice your French.
Just love the babies faces, the photo’s are brilliant as always.😘😘
I know how much you love your photos and I love my scrapbook to help me to remember each year when I was growing up.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Sweet!
I’m so happy your time in Paris has been so wonderful! I watched the video you included and Bambino looks magical. The babies are totally enchanted by the performance.
I am so glad your Paris performances have gone so well. I loved all the links and your interview was excellent! Well done, Charlotte! xx
Hey Charlotte🙌Rarely do I feel a hint of jealousy about the adventures you go on, but you got me with this one. (And Green isn’t my favorite Color). The CentQuatre looks amazing! Can it be shipped overseas? Please include the red carpet. Anyway, I am happy for you; it just feels like I need to step up my game. By the way, your purse does match your Happy Personality.
Fabulous show, venues, and time generally!
Wow! Amazing venue and fab opportunity to perform there. Best wishes as you head our way. I know you shall be more than well received!
Such a fantastic glimpse of this adventure you’re on. The video is awesome ~ music, acting and most important the look on the little one’s faces 🙂 Congratulations, Charlotte. Safe travels and take care.
Loved the video, and the reactions.
Hello, when are you coming back to Paris for a representation of BambinO? 🙂
Sadly there is no plan that I’m aware of for another visit to Paris.
My best wishes
Charlotte