Quartet (April 2013)

Our last play was an original work written by my husband, Harry Kennedy, which took place in a retirement home for former actors. It seemed logical, therefore, to continue the theme - sort of - with this production of Quartet. Like myself and Harry, many of you will have enjoyed the film of the same name released earlier this year, however this production is of Ronald Harwood's original play featuring four characters.

One of the recurring themes in Harwood's work is his fascination with the stage, its artists and artisans and in this case retired opera singers. The idea of the play came from a documentary about Verdi's house near Milan which he left as a home for retired opera singers and musicians. The play is about people in their third act; creative people who only have memories and one another's company to fall back on; who are tollerating old age and not giving in to it. They look forward to the home's annual Verdi celebration and their performance of the quartet from 'Rigoletto' but are easily distracted from the task by their own rowdiness and the arrival of a newcomer.

It has been quite difficult having the film as a very recent memory but the company has tried hard to maintain the spirit of the original play which was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 2000 for best comedy.

My thanks to the cast and you for your support. I am delighted to introduce Margaret Leslie who is making her debut for the company in this production.

I would also like to extend grateful thanks to Arthur Taylor for his help with the singers' musical phrasing as none are fluent in Italian!

I hope that you enjoy this production of 'Quartet'.

-- Sophia Kennedy
Director

The Cast

Production Team

Our sincere thanks to Kevin Atkins, Keith Phillips, Chris Wilson and Norman Wythenshawe for their help in transporting and constructing the set, seating and properties.