Nina Kristofferson in The Billie Holiday Story. Picture: Roy Tan
Playing at the Charing Cross Theatre, London until 25 May.
More than 50 years after Billie Holiday’s tragic death, her life story continues to be a subject of film and theatrical performance. Holiday’s painful life of child prostitution, sexual abuse and violent partners is interpreted by Nina Kristofferson who takes a unique approach to the artist’s life story by using a selection of songs and anecdotes which embody both the fierce humour and vulnerability of Lady Day.
The actress and singer offers a strong performance, particularly in the first half of the show, as she moves between the childlike innocence of ‘A Fine Romance’ which is sung by Kristofferson in Holiday’s characteristic style of singing behind the beat, to ‘Fine and Mellow’.
She highlights Holiday’s early exuberance as she indulges in a scat singing style accompanied by a strong live band which includes Allan Rodgers on keyboards, Albert Garza on saxophone/clarinet, Martin Shaw on the trumpet, Geoff Gascoyne on double bass and Oliver Patrick on drums. The songs are punctuated with painful memories of Holiday being sent to a reformatory Catholic school, her complex relationship with her mother, ‘the duchess’, and her dealing with “cats” who destroy her.
Holiday’s gradual breakdown is staged well by the director Ben Woolf, and her impending death is reflected through the use of sound and atmospheric lighting which emphasises the poignancy of the singer’s wish “to get herself cleaned up”.
The iconic ‘Strange Fruit’ is performed well by Kristofferson, but she does not reach the emotional fragility and pain within her tone of voice needed for the song. ‘Body and Soul’, however, is a highlight as the performer emphasises the mournful quality of a woman who says: “My heart is sad and lonely.”
The Billie Holiday Story is an intimate account of a woman who could not battle against the demons that tormented her throughout her personal life but whose distinctive vocal technique frames her as an inspiration for many singers.
Rebecca Gordon
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