Belgian-born singer-songwriter Jacques Brel is perhaps the most beloved French-language composer in the world. His songs have been performed by such greats as David Bowie, Nick Cave, Shirley Bassey, and even Blink 182. Australia’s own John Waters – actor, singer, musician, and thinking-woman’s crumpet – has been performing the songs of Brel since 1998. The show was developed along with Waters’s long-time collaborator, and Adelaide Fringe regular, Stewart D’Arrietta (they also put together Looking Through a Glass Onion, celebrating the songs of John Lennon). Joining them on stage are Michael Kluger on accordion, and Tony Mitchell (ex-Sherbet) on bass. Waters presents his selection of Brel’s songs simply. Each one is introduced with a performance of the lyrics in English, delivered somewhat like a monologue. Not only does this explain the song to those audience members who are less familiar with it, but also is a moving experience in itself. The songs are delivered in their original language. Waters has a surprising range, and a voice which can still bend and stretch. As an actor, he has an advantage over other singers, in that he can truly perform these numbers, many of which are story-songs: almost micro-plays in themselves. He also understands the dark, often self-deprecating humour, that was one of Brel’s trademarks. Opening with Jacky, the set-list moved effortlessly through such numbers as Au Suivant, Le Plat Pays, Ne me Quitte Pas, Mathilde, Amsterdam, and Marieke. The evening ended with Brel’s anthem, Quand on n’a que L’Amour. The latter was used as the closing song in the musical which revived interest in Brel’s work Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. At a mere 60 minutes, this is a compact production, keeping theatrical palaver to a minimum, and letting the music speak for itself. Sound mix on opening night was a bit dodgy, but hopefully that will be sorted before the next performance. If you love music, then try to jam this delight into your Fringe program for 2022, before they take off to France later in the year to perform in Avignon.