Quartet

As the title might suggest “Quartet” is a play written for four people and is based on the film version which was directed by Dustin Hoffman.

Set in a retirement home for retired opera singers,musicians and the like, the set as always was immaculate with good quality fixtures and furnishings.

Great care is always evident with the Manifest Theatre Group to their sets etc, and adds much to the feel of the play and the standard as well.

Gloria Streames as Cecily was as her character required quite vague and and rather sweet in her interpretation of a retired Opera singer,and made the best of her life along with similar aged friends .

I liked Nigel Lister as Wilfred.A very natural and versatile performer.Every inch on the face of it a “naughty old boy”, and living in the past with his memories, not always very accurately.

Kerry King as the real top Opera singer Jean, looked very glamorous and her costumes were just right for her very interesting character.Her moods varied between building herself up to great heights in her past life, but sadly not realizing in the process she had not always treated those around her very kindly.

Mike Brown as Reginald ( at one time husband of Jean) gave a dignified character,rather underplayed at times, who observed the comings and goings of his friends with respect until Jean appeared on the scene.Eventually all was restored to harmony but without some home truths being told.

All four characters gelled well together .

The skills in which they changed costumes on the stage was excellent and without any fuss or hitches.I really felt this section was a high spot as dialogue was going on  as well all through, and getting in and out of voluminous costumes is not easy.

I did find the pace of the production generally had it’s ups and downs in Act 1, but picked up well in Act 11.

The ultimate scene with all four performing a quartet by Giuseppe Verdi which used to be their most famous recording, was well done mimed to a recording which obviously had taken a lot of time and effort to get it right,which they did spendidly.No easy task, sung I believe in Italian?

An interesting evening and a touching subject.

Well done to you all, and also to John on his directing.

I enjoyed meeting up with the company and friends in the group.

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