Quartet

In bringing to the stage this tale of former thespians, each an operatic star during their careers, now in the autumn of their lives, Joan Stalker Brown delivers a believable slice of life for those of us who look forward with apprehension to old age. 

With a cast of four senior citizens (who are hardly offstage for any length of time) we enter the dilemma they face when only 3 of them want to relive past glories and recreate their “tour de force” the quartet from Rigoletto.

As the hunchbacked baritone, Colin Turner was also Wilfred Bond - a likeable ‘dirty old man’. Thain Sykes was kind and sympathetic as Reginald Paget and also played the philandering Duke. Gilda was Julie Smith, insecure and bossy still demanded the star treatment. Valerie Cooney stepped into the role of Maddelana and the dotty Cecily Robson at a fortnight’s notice following an accident to Shelia Bradley forcing her withdrawal. The four worked wonderfully together and there wasn’t the slightest hint that Valerie’s inclusion was at short notice. True troupers each and every one.

We all wish Sheila a speedy recovery.

Roger McKenzie