We'll Always Have Paris

The scene is set in a Parisian apartment, where meeting up are three old school-friends who could not be more different; – a retired headmistress ‘Nancy’ enjoying a well-deserved cultural break, a recently widowed ‘Anna’, finally released from caring for her demanding invalid husband and, defiantly attempting to remain sexy, a much-married ‘Raquel’ simply enjoying a fling. Add to the equation a French Anglophobic landlady, a resting actor of a certain age and charm who moonlights as a handyman and you have the ingredients not so much for French farce as a heart-warming comedy.

I very much enjoyed the differing characterisations of the three friends; ‘Nancy’ (Lesley La-Croix) the host of the reunion, bouncy, full of life and personality, very much the ex Head-Mistress finding a renewed energy in gay Paris, whilst in contrast ‘Anna’ (Angela Salmon) arrives lacking in confidence and down beat having only recently been released from a long time difficult relationship, sadly covering her mouth to laugh, said it all. The third of this trio of school friends is ‘Raquel’ (Jane Huxley) who used to be called Rachel, married several times and always looking for love with younger men. They bounced off each other well, all friends one moment until a game of French monopoly uncovers old negativities.

Keeping them on their toes, is Nancy’s formidable landlady ‘Madame Boussiron’ (Melanie Brown) who grasps the opportunity to charge more rent whilst ‘Anna’ remains beyond her original plans and eventually gives notice to both ‘Nancy’ and ‘Raquel’ who has a near-by apartment. The cast is completed with ‘Charlot’ (James Cowlishaw), Madame Boussiron’s handyman.

The scenes between ‘Charlot’ and ‘Anna’ were particularly charming, sensitive and absorbing. ‘Anna’ was transformed by his friendship and her new found freedom – and no longer hid her mouth to laugh.

There were odd moments when continuity was broken, but the style and some challenging French pieces of dialogue were well handled throughout. The set was again first class and the atmosphere was greatly enhanced with appropriate ‘change of scene’ music. The production team led by Director Mike Matthews and the cast are to be congratulated on their performance and a worthy addition to this year’s exciting programme at the Norbury.

 

 

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