Enchanted April

On a showery, June evening it was a pleasure to sit and immerse myself in Enchanted April. Not a story that I knew, the Elizabeth von Arnim novel and 1991 film of the book having passed me by. It tells the story of four ladies whose only thing in common is their dissatisfaction with their current life. Set in 1922, post First World War, they answer an advert offering a chance to rent an Italian castle, with a maid, for the month of April. What follows is a flower and sunshine filled exploration of relationships. This production brought out both the serious and comical sides of the tale and much credit should go to the whole cast and the artistic director, Simon Boothroyd. The first act set worked well representing a variety of sitting rooms, a church and latterly a train carriage with atmospheric lighting and sound effects throughout. The act two set brought us the flower filled and bright Italian castle. It was fascinating to watch the developing relationships between the women and the changes in their views of men once their husbands, lover and artist landlord arrive. Mention needs to be made of the Italian speaking maid played by Gillian Robertson. Who needs to understand exactly what is being said when the actions and facial expressions says it all? A small but appreciative audience were in attendance. Italian holiday anyone?

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