We'll Always Have Paris

The lovely Barn Theatre was buzzing on this the second night of the Greville’s autumn production.  We were shown to a table with a good view of the stage and as the lights dimmed the curtains opened on to a well designed and constructed set, representing the interior of a flat in Paris.  The location was evident from the amazing view from the window.  The lights twinkling on the Eiffel Tower after dark looked quite magical.

The play revolves around three women of a certain age.  All were at school together and in the intervening years their lives have moved in various directions. They have now met up in Paris, each with their own story to tell.

An excellent portrayal by Jean Schofield of retired headmistress Nancy.  Desperate to escape Haselmere and all the committees she finds herself on, she decides to take a flat in Paris.  Her friend Anne, played by Marcia Baldry-Bryan, has spent many years nursing her sick husband. Now widowed, she arrives, initially for the weekend, looking tired and mousey.  This though is a situation which is soon turned around as she casts off the shackles of the past with a new wardrobe and hairstyle, as well as falling for not only the charms of Paris but those of handyman Charlot,.

Kevin Stemp is a very versatile actor and I thought he made a great Charlot.  He and Nancy have become friends and she tries to help him improve his English.  He though is amused by the idiosyncrasies of the English language.  At one point we see them laughing together as they try to find as many words as possible to describe a toilet! 

Netti Lomas was brilliant as Raquel. In search of eternal youth, involving trips to Turkey for the odd enhancement, she is the absolute antithesis of Nancy and Anne. Having gone through several divorces she eventually announces that she is to re-connect with her first husband and revert to her given name, Rachel. She has apparently decided that she is through with chasing after men half her age.  Of course, only time will tell.

Fabienne Hanley was the rather haughty landlady Madam Boussiron who takes a dislike to the English ladies as they find themselves enjoying life and behaving rather too loudly for her liking. Nicely played.

Acting throughout was good.  There was one break in the proceedings, for which apologies were offered to the audience.  But in true theatrical tradition that the show must go on, it did exactly that.

This was a lovely play which takes a gentle look at life from the perspective of ladies who, having spent years doing what was expected of them, now intend to embrace all that life has to offer. With the possible exception that is of Raquel who appears to have had her fill of life in the fast lane.

Congratulations to all involved and thank you for inviting me.

 

 

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