Thursday 1 March 2018

Theatre: Quartet......

Mark Goucher and David Ian present
A Cheltenham Everyman Theatre Production

Paul Nicholas (The Real Marigold Hotel, Just Good Friends, EastEnders) Wendi Peters (Coronation Street, Oh What A Lovely War), Sue Holderness (Only Fools and Horses, The Green Green Grass) and Jeff Rawle (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Drop the Dead Donkey) star in a brand-new revival of the bitter-sweet comedy Quartet.
Quartet is the charming tale of four ageing opera singers. Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred reside in a magnificent retirement home in Kent, where the rumour circling the halls is that the home will soon play host to a new resident, and word is it’s a star. When Jean arrives old rivalries resurface, secrets are revealed and chaos unfolds, but in true theatrical tradition – the show must go on. A celebration of the twilight years and the hilarity of growing old disgracefully! 

The grand finale.  



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I haven't actually seen the famous film my friends were comparing this to so wasn't so critical, however I did think the first half was a bit flat with both ladies overacting. The men were brilliant. The script really funny at times and also raising a level of empathy as I head towards that age bracket (thankfully a way off yet).
The second half was so much better, it had purpose to all stage movements while the script opened up the secrets to old relationships giving the characters more emotions.
The finale was brilliantly performed by all.

So glad we braved the dreadful snowy conditions to get there. One of our friends couldn't come as buses were cancelled from her village. Online it had been a sellout performance but there half the seats were empty, such a shame.
.

2 comments:

Michelle said...

I love the film! We have it so have seen it a few times. Billy Connolly is so good I can see why this production would poorly compare to those who love the film (though sure it would still be enjoyable), just because it wouldn't have him in it. Or Maggie Smith.

MumB / @mumbosh said...

I definitely must see the film now :-)