A PLAYFUL look into the world of retired opera singers is the subject of Woodley Theatre’s latest play.
Quartet, by Ronald Harwood, tells the story of retirement home residents, and all retired professional singers, Reggie Paget (Barrie Armstrong), Wilf Bond (Jim McClure) and their not-quite-all-there friend Cissy (Jenny Haywood).
The trio are looking forward to a performance to honour Giuseppe Verdi’s birthday when news breaks that renowned diva, and Reggie’s ex-wife, Jean Horton (Carole Hewett) is soon to be joining them at the home. Cissy and Wilf are delighted, and immediately start trying to persuade her to join their performance and become a quartet.
Reggie, though, is less than amused and old feelings of failure and rejection begin to surface. Jean is harbouring a secret too, her voice is not what it once was and she is terrified of becoming a laughing stock. Can the reunited couple set aside their differences to perform Verdi’s Rigoletto, and will perpetually-frustrated Wilf ever manage to get into Cissy’s bloomers?
The cast have done a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, each with their own unique personalities and traits which make them instantly fun to watch. The chemistry between Armstrong and Hewett is believably frosty, and when they share their memories towards the end of Act 1, you truly believe that they were once lovers. Jim McClure steals the show as cheeky Wilf, and his naughty innuendos keep the audience laughing throughout. Haywood’s slightly batty Cissy is charming and thoughtful, and delivers one of the most heartbreaking scenes of the play with grace and sensitivity.
Quartet is a joy to watch, the performance will make you laugh, make you think, and maybe even shed a little tear as the characters reflect on their lives. But the show ends on a high note (literally) with a stirring performance which has to be seen to be believed.
Quartet runs until Saturday at The Oakwood Centre, in Headley Road. Tickets are £10, £8 for concessions. For tickets visit http://www.woodleytheatre.org or call 07939 210121.
