THEATRE REVIEW: Quartet, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham is one of the stories, places or details that helps explain why the Cotswolds stays with people long after they leave.
So, whether you are planning a visit or simply enjoying a little Cotswold inspiration, we hope this helps you understand why THEATRE REVIEW: Quartet, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham deserves its place in the list.
14/02/2018
Quartet is the heartwarming tale of four ageing opera singers who reside in a beautiful retirement home in Kent.
We are introduced to Cecily (Wendi Peters), Reggie (Jeff Rawle) and Wilfred (Paul Nicholas) on a typical afternoon at the home and right from the off they have the audience chuckling at their various idiosyncrasies.
We are introduced to Cecily (Wendi Peters), Reggie (Jeff Rawle) and Wilfred (Paul Nicholas) on a typical afternoon at the home and right from the off they have the audience chuckling at their various idiosyncrasies.
Suddenly a rumour starts circulating that a new resident is about to arrive and before we know it fomer diva Jean Horton (Sue Holderness) appears.
With old rivalries resurfaced, the feisty old friends rage in their own unique ways against the inevitable dying of their light and offer a last flash of defiance against the gloom and doom of God’s waiting room.
Various secrets are revealed and the quartet eventually hatch a plan to get back together to stage a performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto at the home.
The stellar cast had the audience rapt for over two hours as we were treated to a memorable performance of Sir Ronald Harwood’s bittersweet comedy.
Paul Nicholas, who is just perfect as the sex-mad Wilf, is a show-stealer, delivering gag after gag in his inimitable style, virtually all of them hitting the spot.
Sue Holderness is elegant as Jean, every inch the diva, and offering some cutting one-liners.
Wendi Peters is lovely as the slightly dotty fusspot Cecily whose clumsy flounces and childlike excitability were beautifully delivered.
And Jeff Rawle plays the complex character of Reggie to perfection as the truth behind his self-indulgent and slightly pompous exterior is slowly revealed.
The Everyman Theatre lends itself beautifully to the wonderful set.
Quartet runs at the Everyman until Saturday, February 17, before going on a national tour.
David Wood
With old rivalries resurfaced, the feisty old friends rage in their own unique ways against the inevitable dying of their light and offer a last flash of defiance against the gloom and doom of God’s waiting room.
Various secrets are revealed and the quartet eventually hatch a plan to get back together to stage a performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto at the home.
The stellar cast had the audience rapt for over two hours as we were treated to a memorable performance of Sir Ronald Harwood’s bittersweet comedy.
Paul Nicholas, who is just perfect as the sex-mad Wilf, is a show-stealer, delivering gag after gag in his inimitable style, virtually all of them hitting the spot.
Sue Holderness is elegant as Jean, every inch the diva, and offering some cutting one-liners.
Wendi Peters is lovely as the slightly dotty fusspot Cecily whose clumsy flounces and childlike excitability were beautifully delivered.
And Jeff Rawle plays the complex character of Reggie to perfection as the truth behind his self-indulgent and slightly pompous exterior is slowly revealed.
The Everyman Theatre lends itself beautifully to the wonderful set.
Quartet runs at the Everyman until Saturday, February 17, before going on a national tour.
David Wood
