THE Colwall Players are returning with their first live production since lockdown – Quartet, a witty and poignant play by Ronald Harwood. 

Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred reside in a home for retired opera singers. They often worked together in the past but have now fallen on straitened times and spend their time reminiscing about their “glory days”.

Newcomer Jean, a major star in her day, and to whom Reginald was once unhappily married, arrives at the home and disrupts their equilibrium. 

Is there any chance that these four will ever sing together again?

A gala concert is to take place to celebrate Verdi’s birthday.  After much “heated discussion”, they agree to don period costumes to recreate their famous performance of a beautiful quartet by Rigoletto.

Jean, however. still acts like a diva and refuses to sing. But the show must go on.

Quartet opened in 1999, in the West End.  A memorable film version was directed by Dustin Hoffman and starred Maggie Smith, Tom Courtney, and Billy Connolly.

The play runs from Thursday, October 28, until Saturday, October 30, at 7.30pm at The Village Hall, Mill Lane, Colwall.

Tickets from John Goodwin’s Colwall office on 01684 540300.