THE life of Belgian singer Jacques Brel is being told in a new play premiering in Southport later this month.

Written by Simon Pennicott, Une Vie a Mille Temps is theatre company Gambolling Arena’s second show about the “Voice of Paris”, following on from its successful Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.

Artistic director Suzy Walker says: “As soon as I met Simon, I thought he would be a wonderful Jacques Brel, so we decided to create a fresh new show around Brel’s superlative songs.”

Pennicott studied interviews and read several biographies before writing the script.

He says: “This has been a fantastic experience for me as a performer, and I feel that I have learnt so much from Brel.

“He is such an inspirational artist and had such an interesting life. I just hope I have done it justice.”

Born in Belgium in 1929, Brel rose to fame during the 1950s and 60s, writing over 300 songs. Considered one of the 20th century’s most talented singer-songwriters, he inspired musicians including David Bowie, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. His songs have been covered by artists as varied as Scott Walker, Nina Simone and Marc Almond.

UNE Vie a Mille Temps is at On The Fringe, Southport, from September 28-30.