Drama and live acoustic music combine into a show telling a remarkable story set mainly in Paris, 1974 at this year’s Ventnor Fringe Festival.
Andy Roberts, a well-known singer-songwriter on the Isle of Wight, presents “Boulevard Days,” a one-man show that weaves narrative, drama, and music into a captivating performance.
Andy explains,
“I didn’t like school much, so I left home at 16 and became a full-time musician in Paris.
“There were a lot of ups and downs, some crazy scenes looking back from now, but I never regretted a moment of it.”
A unique blend of storytelling and music
“Boulevard Days” includes not only narrative and drama but also some of the original songs Andy penned during his time in Paris.
He plays these songs on the very same (now vintage) guitar introduced in one of the scenes at the Café Mazet in the Latin Quarter.
Sold out shows
Andy is well-known on the Island for his performances in pubs, clubs, bars, and cafes. His last appearance at the Ventnor Fringe was a sold-out concert at the Arts Club.
Before that, he performed his songs photogenically from the back of a vintage Parisian bus, known to festival-goers as the Book Bus.
Upcoming performances
This year, Andy appears not just as an accomplished musician and songwriter but as a storyteller, actor, and playwright.
He will perform “Boulevard Days” in a run of three theatre performances from Tuesday to Thursday, 23rd-25th July, at The Pier Street Playhouse, Pier Street, Ventnor, from 1pm-2pm.
A diverse cast of characters
The play features a diverse cast of characters across its three acts. In Act One, we meet The Teenager, Father, Grandma, Policeman, Doctor, Border Control, and Time Traveller.
Act Two introduces Guy, Colin (King of the Buskers), Excalibur, Rene Arnoux, and Joan of Arc.
Act Three features Brian and an Embassy Official – all played by Andy.
Book now
Tickets for “Boulevard Days” are available from the box office for £8-10. The show takes place on Tuesday 23rd July between 1pm and 2pm at the Pier Street Playhouse.
They can be purchased from the Ventnor Fringe website.
Available for gigs
Island venues who are interested in booking Andy for regular live gigs or stages can contact him via email at [email protected] or by phone at (01983) 752050.
He is also available to follow on Facebook.
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