In just over two years, at just 24 years old, she established herself in the world of imitation supported by her producer and director, Patrick Sébastien. A dazzling take-off behind which hides a hard worker.
You started imitation a little over two years ago. How can we integrate so many voices in such a short time?
By working really hard. First, I listen. Most of the work is listening, studying the details of the voice and reproducing what I hear while remaining as neutral as possible. There is no interpretation. Reproducing a voice can be almost instantaneous or take several hours. Then, to master it, to improve it, it varies from a few weeks to a few months. I started with Dalida and Vanessa Paradis, it came almost immediately.
You perform around a hundred voices on stage, exclusively female, such as Céline Dion, Britney Spears, Véronique Sanson or Lady Gaga. How many do you have in total?
I have almost two hundred votes. Some voices are more difficult than others. I can do some of them at home but they are more complicated to integrate into a show because they require a lot of control and concentration. Like that of Bonnie Tyler for example.
Initially, you are a singer. You participated in The Voice Kids and The Voice. Why this choice of imitation?
I woke up one day wanting to offer something different on my social media. So I immediately posted an imitation even though it was a first, I had never done one. I am very spontaneous when I have an idea. People quickly gave me voice suggestions, it took off immediately.
Is there any frustration in having taken off through imitation and not through your own voice?
-No not at all. Moreover, on stage, I also put it in the spotlight and certain spectators discover it on this occasion. And they give me good feedback. But for now, this tour is my priority, there are a lot of dates until 2026. Returning to singing remains a goal, I’m thinking about it.
Patrick Sébastien is your producer and director. Is it an asset or a pressure to have someone who is an imitator themselves?
It’s an asset. He gives good advice, he is an excellent coach. He doesn’t particularly help me with the voices, I find them on my own. He gives me advice on stage expression. Then, he helped me to have confidence in myself. For this, he will be present without worry.
You appear on the radio, on TV, you are present on social networks. What is the special attraction of the scene?
It’s the people! The real reaction in front of me, I love that. When someone returns me an emotion, when someone sings with me, I find it great. It carries me.
go there. Sarah Schwab, From Dream to Reality, Sunday December 8, at 4 p.m. at the municipal theater. Price from €9 to €44.