John Waters, Australian singer and actor, will present Chansons de Jacques Brel at Adelaide Fringe 2022. You no doubt known John Waters for his work on screen, on stage and for his music. But did you know that he sings in French and speaks it too? And that he is a big fan of Jacques Brel? Read our interview with John Waters to find out everything you need to know!
John, you’re presenting your show Chansons de Jacques Brel at Adelaide Fringe 2022. I read that you first discovered Jacques Brel’s muic while travelling in Belgium during your adolescence. Is that correct?
It’s true that I discovered the music of Brel in Belgium. I was 17 and hitch-hiking during my holidays.
Describe for us the moment that you heard the song. Do you remember whic Brel song was the first you heard?
It was in Ostende and I heard a busker singing “Le plat pays”. I was instantly addicted. I had vaguely heard of Jacques Brel, but from that moment I wanted to look for his songs everywhere.
What do you appreciate about Brel’s music?
I find that all of his songs have a great honesty. He sings about what it means to be human.
You presented the Brel show at Adelaide Cabaret Festival 12 year ago (in 2000 I think) as well as on an Australian tour at the time. You also recorded an album of Brel songs. Are these the same songs that you will sing in this show? Is it the same show that you will present at Adelaide Fringe ?
I’ve already sung these songs in Australia, but this time I will be accompanied by a simpler orchestra – more intimite. There will be me (for some songs on guitar), Stewart D’Arrietta on the piano, Michael Kluger on the accordion and Tony Mitchell on bass. It’s a group of musicians who I’ve been close with for many years.
Is this concert a sort of homage to Jacques Brel?
Every time we sing a Brel song it’s an ‘homage’. They are his thoughts, his feelings. We borrow them from time to time.
What is your favourite Brel song?
I don’t have a favourite song. You never choose a favourite child!
Were you able to ever see Jacques Brel in concert during his lifetime?
I’m sad to have never seen a Brel concert live. But there is a DVD of his last show at l’Olympia which gives you an experience which is as close as possible.
We’re doing this interview in French (I’ve translated it back to English). Since when and how did you come to speak French?
I’ve spent a lot of time in France in my life, and as a result I speak French. These days, I don’t speak as fluently as I used to until I am in France for a week or two. Writing is easier because you can take the time to think!
What are the challenges of singing in French when it’s not your first language?
Singing in French in Australia doesn’t present any problem for me, but it does for the non-francophone audience. That’s why I tell a little story before starting each song. I do my best to explain generally what each song is about. I find that that’s enough. There are always words or phrases that have no meaning to the auditorium but the music and the passionate delivery speak volumes.
You’re well known in Australia on screen and on stage for theatre and also for music. Do you have a first love among them?
To be honest, my work on screen is something different, but when I find myself on stage, I know that I want to sing and perform. When I do that, I really feel “at home”.
Will the Chansons de Jacques Brel show make another tour or only be presented at Adelaide Fringe this year?
I hope that we will be able to continue to present the show with a little tour but for the moment we don’t know. We will see!
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We thank John Waters for granting us this interview.
KEY INFO FOR CHANSONS DE JACQUES BREL:
WHAT: Chansons de Jacques Brel at Adelaide Fringe
WHEN: 4 shows:
Thu 24 Feb .- Fri 25 Feb.: 7:20pm
Sat 26 Feb.: 7pm
Sun 27 Feb.: 5:50pm
WHERE : The Garage International @ Adelaide Town Hall
To find out about other events with French links happening around Australia and online, take a look at our What’s on in January article and subscribe below.
You’ve been asking and reading our previous year articles in anticipation so we’re answering you now with where in Australia you can buy the Galette des Rois 2022. Find out where you can buy the Galette des Rois near you.
We’ll give you some more information about the Galette des Rois in a separate article on Sunday when it will be celebrated in France.
Les Deux Coqs’ Galette des Rois will contain a fève and will come with a crown.
Mulot’s makes the Galette des Rois to order all year round!
It is in the traditional frangipane and contains a fève and is available in a variety of sizes ranging from 6 inch for $21 to 11 inch for $52.
Orders can be made with 48 hours notice by telephone on (08) 8272 6499 or in store.
Where to find the Galette des Rois 2022 in Brisbane
Pétula from Les Galettes de Pétu will be selling her galette des Rois during each weekend of January 2022.
Available in a single size of 24cm, to serve 6 people, the galettes des rois come with a special bag, a fève (given separately, not baked into the galette) and a crown!
Orders can be made via this link until 28 January 2022. Delivery is available for $5 within 10km of Brisbane City.
We haven’t been able to confirm availability for 2022 but Le Caprice normally makes the Galette des Rois each January.
MICA Brasserie – Newstead will have the Galette des Rois 2022 available from 6 to 9 January. Their galettes are with the traditional filling are 24cm in diameter and serves 8. They cost $50.
While some will be available in store each day, to ensure you don’t miss out, they recommend that you pre-order your Galette des Rois from Brisbane’s Mica Brasserie via this link
PLEASE NOTE: Their fèves are yet to clear customs, should they not arrive in time, your galette will instead be baked with an embedded gold coin.
Join the Alliance Française de Cairns to celebrate the La Galette des Rois with tea and coffee. Bring some board games and play along.
Tickets are $10 which include a slice of Galette des Rois, a tea or coffee and a chance to be the king or queen!
Where to find the Galette des Rois 2022 on the Gold Coast
Aux Fines Bouches will have traditional frangipane Galette des Rois available at their Gold Coast store from 6 to 9 January. They serve 6-8 people and come with the fève crown.
My French Pastries is currently taking pre-orders for its traditional frangipane Galette des Rois. They will be available from 6 January until the end of January.
It is available in two sizes:
4-6 serves $45
8-10 serves $55.
Where to find the Galette des Rois 2022 in Hobart
Jean-Pascal Patisserie will be making the Galette des Rois 2022 which will come with a fève and a crown. It will serve 8 people. You can order your Galette des Rois by telephone on 03-6228 4040
Where to find the Galette des Rois 2022 in Melbourne
Choukette Fine Pastries will be making the traditional Galette des Rois with porcelain fèves. It will be available in 3 different sizes:
4 people 27$
6 people $33
8 people $38
Orders are available any time.
Frenchilicious Kitchen‘s Galette des Rois is available in the traditional almond frangipane filling. It contains a ceramic fève but this can be removed and replaced with an almond or nothing at all. These galette des rois are available in 2 sizes:
4-6 serves for $38; and
8-10 serves for $48
They are only available during a short window from 3 to 7 January with the possibility of a further period from 25 to 31 January.
Orders can be placed via the website (with the requested date for pick up in the comment section). Please allow 3 days notice. Pick up in Carnegie.
Noisette‘s Galettes Des Rois are back in store from 6th -9th of January. Perfect puff pastry filled with a delicious frangipane almond cream!
Available for pre order now by calling your local store – Port Melbourne 9646 9555 or Bentleigh 9557 7110.
Where to find the Galette des Rois 2022 in Perth
Chez Jean-Claude Patisserie will have the three sizes of Galette des Rois from the 12th until the end of January.
Sarah Valette Cake Artist (previously Fantaizicake) will make the traditional Galette des Rois with French puff pastry. All going well, there should be special “Heart of Amethyst” Fèves 2022 (“Cœur d’Amethiste”).
The Galette des Rois 2022 is available in 2 different sizes:
20cm 6 serves $35
30cm 10-12 serves $50
Only available via pre-order. Collection in Stirling 6021 or Uber delivery can be organised by the customer. Place your order via message to her Facebook page or by text message to 0476 792 043.
French Sweet will be making the Galette des Rois from the first week of January but details are not available at the time of publishing.
Layers Bakery will have a a classic almond frangipane galette des rois 2022 served with a French fève and a crown. It will be available in one size of 6-10 servings for $36.
The Galette des Rois 2022 will be available for all of January but only on special order. They ask their customers order at least 3 days in advance. They can place orders at the bakery or via Facebook or Instagram or email: [email protected]
Maison Saint Honoré will very likely be selling the Galette des Rois in 2022 but at the time of publishing no further information is known.
W.H.I.P Patisserie will be making traditional almond frangipane puff pastry Galette des Rois 2022.
They will be available in 2 sizes:
individual, about 10cm, $8 from their market stall; and
a larger size, approx 25cm, $45, only available via pre-order with 2 days’ notice.
As they will be on leave, their Galette des Rois won’t be available until 20 January onwards.
Where to find the Galette des Rois 2022 on the Sunshine Coast
La Maison du PâtissierEric and Francoise’s galette des rois will be available from February 2022.
It will be in the traditional frangipane filling, in a 10” size and will cost $52.
Where to find the Galette des Rois 2022 in Sydney
Flo Viennoiserie will be making its Galette des Rois 2022 in 3 different flavours:
traditional frangipane;
chocolate frangipane; and
the pistachio frangipane with fresh Raspberries.
They serve 6 people and cost 35$. They come with a gold crown and fèves from the new collection of jungle animals.
The Flo Viennoiserie Galette des Rois is available from 5 January only via pre-order. Pick up available from Rosebery only on order and delivery 8km around.
Traditional: puff pastry pie filled with almond cream $42
Chocolate: puff pastry pie filled with chocolate $42
Sheherazade Galette: combining the traditional puff pastry pie, almond cream, with a Sheherazade twist of rose flavour and lychee $48
All 3 galettes each serve 6-8 people. They can be ordered online. French Cakes Sydney is on leave and will be back on 4 January so you can have your Galette des Rois after then.
La Renaissancewill make the traditional Galette des Rois with puff pastry and frangipane. It will contain a traditional fully baked porcelain figurine fève and will come with a crown.
It is available in two sizes:
Small to serve 6: $38
Medium to serve 8: $48
Their Galette des Rois 2022 are available from Monday 6th December until mid-January. Pre-orders are strongly recommend as their galettes sell out each year. Pre-order yours via this link
Le Breton makes its traditional Galette des Rois from 100% Butter pate feuilletée and filled with frangipane almond cream.
They are available in two sizes:
Medium 6 people $38.00;
Large 8-10 peoples $48.00
The fèves are extra special this year, being 24 carats gold! The Feve & crown are included in the Galette des Rois 2022 prices.
Orders are already open for Le Breton’s Galette des Rois 2022 and they are available now. Order via email [email protected], telephone (02) 9969 9654 or via Facebook.
Le Petit Saigon at Rhodes Shopping Centre will have Galette des Rois available in two sizes:
medium $46; and
large$55
They come with a gold bean as a fève and a crown is provided.
Pre-order your Galete des Rois 2-3 days in advance.
Madame & Yves has a traditional frangipane Galette des Rois as well as a Raspberry Almond one. There is also the possibility of a limited number of Yuzu. It is available in two sizes:
6 serves $36; and
10 serves $46.
Madame & Yves’s galette des rois 2022 will come with fèves from the eclairs collection.
Pre-orders can be made in store, by telephone 0279008498 or online
Mimi’s Pastry is making a Galette des Rois in the traditional frangipane to serve 8 people. It’s 24cm and costs $45. It contains a fève and comes with a crown.
Pre-orders can me made via the website – Free delivery only Sat 8th, whole month of january Friday, Saturday and Sunday until feves run out. Pick up from various locations.
Note: it is a limited number as Mimi’s Pastry produces small batches. It may be sold out before the end of January. Order 3 days before are preferable.
Patisserie Le Marais will have its traditional frangipane Galette des Rois available in two sizes throughout January:
individual $6.50
6-8 people $46
The fèves are provided but not inserted into the galette and they come with a crown.
Order 2 days in advance via text or by phone on 0406 027 194.
Tonton Bread is making its Galette des Rois in two flavours:
Grand marnier Traditional frangipane 35$
Limited edition Coconut and Cherry Black Galette (activated carbon puff pastry) 40$.
They come with fèves and a crown like in France.
You can order at Tonton Bread’s shop in Surry Hills, or online www.tontonbread.com.au Delivery is available within 5km of the shop. Their Galette des Rois will be available from today December until late January ( note they are closed on the 1, 2 and 3 January).
Victoire Boulangerie is making the traditional frangipane galette. It has the traditional porcelain fève and a cardboard crown.
It is available in the following sizes:
Small 2-4 people $15
Medium 4-6 people $30
Large 6-10 people $50
They make 2 large, 6 medium and 4 small every day that they are open (they’re closed Mondays) through all of January (none in February or only orders). 2 days notice are needed for orders.
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Will you join the Galette des Rois tradition in 2022? Do you know who you will pick as your King or Queen?
Pétula from 
Le Petit Saigon at Rhodes Shopping Centre will have Galette des Rois available in two sizes:
