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5 February 2020

Those who have tickets for this sold out run are in for a treat of the highest order.

Exquisitely directed by Jill Desborough, every nuance of this script is exploited with pathos, humour, charm and class.

Four actors at the top of their game made the feeling of old age and yearning for past glories literally sing out. They all worked so well together and clearly are having a ball, and this was so clear to a sell-out audience, who sat mesmerised.

Philip De Grouchy is salaciously warm as Wilfred the baritone, his facial expressions perfectly conveying the front he was putting on, smarting on cue when mention of deceased wife.

Jo Barnard, the soprano star, brittle yet damaged, finally allowing her character some inner empathy to flow, making the audience inwardly cheer as stage fright is overcome. Her attention to detail, even hobbling to a seat during a blackout, is always a joy to watch, like applying eye makeup or putting a dress on, always as how that character would do it.

Eric Patterson was equally as involved with his well-rounded character, the tenor of the group. The character fastidiousness, be it marmalade or initial resentment, was perfectly pitched, never alienating.

Totally immersed was Hazel Burrows as Cicely. I just wanted to hug her, such was her marvellous interpretation of naivety, charm and non-spatial awareness. Her lucid moments of the past were wonderfully timed.

The finale was so well done. It was clear so much work had gone into this from all angles. The tenor vibrato, the stance, the emotion on the face, pure joy tinged with regret was so evident. Perfecto.

The abstract set is beautifully outlined in chalk, giving just the right ambience. Diction and lighting combined with aforementioned exquisite performances made this Bellissima!

- David Putley