Globe critic Peter Grant meets French - Canadian star Audrey Brisson who is starring in the musical Amélie at the Liverpool Playhouse from this Monday (October 14).

AUDREY Brisson is the perfect casting for the role of one of life's free spirits called Amélie.

I tell the actress that she is 'famous' all over Merseyside at present, with her face on huge posters on bus stands and displayed outside the Playhouse Theatre.

"I'd rather see the posters where the whole cast are on the picture," says the star, who has been nominated for a major theatre award for her performance.

Classically-trained Audrey, who studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama, is clearly a modest artist - happy to be a team-player in a musical that has already charmed audiences across the country.

Amélie is at the Playhouse from Monday to Saturday - the final dates of a mammoth UK tour before going on a global trek.

The enchanting show is all about 'connecting' with others, something Audrey believes people are far too busy to do instead consistently 'staring at their mobile phones.'

Audrey tells the Globe: "I might be the title character but this is very much an ensemble piece.

"Sometimes I stand in the wings and find something different to enjoy in every performance from each and everyone of the sixteen actor-musicians.

"I do enjoy seeing how different cities react to the play."

Just like the kind, complex and endearing heroine of the original Oscar-nominated and BAFTA film which came out 20 years ago, the stage version is now capturing hearts all over again in a nationwide tour.

It tells the tale of an astonishing young woman who lives quietly in the world but 'loudly in her mind.'

Amélie has a quiet mission to secretly improvise 'small but extraordinary' acts of kindness that bring happiness to those around her.

But then how does she react when true love comes her way?

The much-loved modern day morality story is not, she stresses, a fairy story.

It has one recurring message: "although times are hard for dreamers, Amélie is someone to believe in."

And people of all ages are enjoying the experience and returning to see the show time after time.

Audrey believes the touring production has also brought out the magic of the film which was set in the Paris of the 1990s.

She says if you have seen the movie then you will also enjoy the stage version for other reasons.

Adds Audrey: "It's such a fabulous story and I love the film it is based on.

"She is a fascinating character. I can relate to her imagination and her reluctance to never give up.

"She grows up thinking she can't connect with anyone and that she will always be alone.

"Yet she's got this perseverance and her way of seeing a situation that's potentially dark and then bringing some colours in it."

For Audrey it is a joy bringing a bit of magic storytelling with beautiful songs and super set to the stage.

The one-time performer with the world-famous Cirque Du Soleil was last in Liverpool in 2014 playing Lucy Lockit in the hit play The Dog in the Suitcase and Other Love Songs at the Everyman.

"This will be my first time at the Playhouse.

"I am looking forward to returning to Merseyside and so excited about bringing Amélie to the great audiences that I know you have there.

"And I will find time for sightseeing - on both sides of the river Mersey."

Amélie - The Musical is at Liverpool Playhouse from this Monday to Saturday, October 14-19.

Tickets from 0151 709 4776.

Details at Everymanplayhouse.com