Director Nicoli Buffini steers this gentle, conventional, well crafted play well and with the help of her talented cast brings out all of the play’s delicate nuances.
LADIES IN LAVENDER plays out like a sad, lilting ballad- wistful and full of longing,
Designer Anna Gardiner sets the scene deftly for the actors with a well realised set, featuring the sisters living room with the spare bedroom on top and to the right a clever village backdrop setting aided by Nicholas Higgins’ lighting. Daryl Wallis soundscape complemented the action well.
All the performances are finely etched. As Janet, Penny Cook plays the more reserved, responsible of the two sisters, whilst Sharon Flanagan’s Ursula wears a heart on her sleeve.
Benjamin Hoetjes impresses as Andrea, the young man who lands on their shore and brings some sunshine into their lives. Hoetjes shows a deft skill with the violin.
Gael Ballantyne provides a lot of the light/comic touches as the sisters’ sharp as a tack, all eyes and ears maid, Dorcas.
Daniel Mitchell’s performance is well pitched as the caring local Doctor Mead who carries a lonely heart.
Lisa Gormley is a delight as the attractive, assertive local artist, befriended by Dr Mead, who has a strong impact on how things turn out.
This was a good night at the theatre. Shaun McKenna’s LADIES IN LAVENDER, adapted from Charles Dance’s screenplay and originally based on a William Locke short story, opened at the Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli on Wednesday 8th July and is playing until Saturday 15th August. Performance times Tuesdays 7.30pm, Wednesdays to Fridays 8.15pm, Saturdays 4.30pm and 8.15pm and Sundays 5pm. As well there are some Tuesday and Thursday performances at 11am. Running time 2 hours including interval.