Actress and cabaret singer Agnes Bernelle was born Agnes Bernauer in Berlin in 1923. Her father a successful Berlin impresario was a Hungarian Jew, a fact that caused them considerable problems which the rise of the Nazi party.

In 1936, Agnes and her father took refuge in London, where he struggled to rebuild his career in show business and Agnes tried to get hers started. Being German in war-time London did not make it easy for either of them. Agnes did find work with the OSS, precursor to the CIA, as a radio show host broadcasting jazz and other subversive material to Germany.

It was in London that she met Irish spitfire pilot Desmond Leslie, whom she later married. In 1969, Agnes abandoned her career in show business and followed her husband to Ireland, settling at Castle Leslie, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan. However Desmond's persistent philandering led to the breakdown of their marriage, leaving Agnes to raise their three children alone.

Agnes moved to Dublin, where she rekindled her love for the stage and for music. She became involved in the Project Arts Centre, performing and directing plays. She also recorded her first album, Bernelle on Brecht and... in 1976, which was produced by Philip Chevron, later of The Pogues.

Agnes Bernelle recorded two more albums, returned to the London stage, fought off cancer and published an autobiography. She also remained on the board of the Project until her death in 1999.

Púca Puppets was founded in 1997, and in the few short years since, has made a good name for itself. Songs In Her Suitcase is their second show for adults after Mary Mary's Last Dance, which sold out at the Project on its opening run in 2001.

Agnes Bernelle's life makes a fascinating story, and a great choice for a show. The show integrates a number of Bernelle's recordings, reminiscences as well as songs. It is a pleasure to rediscover her music, which is heard all too rarely nowadays.

Music Direction for Songs In Her Suitcase is by Philip Chevron of The Pogues, who became Agnes Bernelle's recording manager in the 70s. The show is directed by Leticia Agudo, who previously directed Mary Mary's Last Dance. She also shot segments of video footage used in the show.

Directed by Leticia Agudo

Scripted and Performed by Niamh Lawlor

Musical Direction by Philip Chevron

Set & Lighting by Marcus Costello

Time: 8.00pm
Tickets: €15 / €10

Project Arts Centre
39 East Essex Street
Temple BarDublin 2
Tel: 881 9614
Web: The Project