WITH little appreciation of the sounds of the violin, you may think I am not best placed to review Ladies in Lavender, but after watching opening night at the Theatre Royal in Bath last night, I am converted.
To be clear, this is a play and not a music recital but the delicate, haunting tones of the violin are an important and emotional part of this Charles Dance screenplay.
Belinda Lang and Hayley Mills star as spinster sisters Janet and Ursula, who live uncomplicated lives on the Cornish coast until one day in 1937, a mysterious young man, Andrea (Robert Rees) is washed up near their beach house.
The siblings’ simple lives are sent into a spin as they quibble over caring for their injured Polish visitor and Ursula falls deeper in love with the handsome patient, despite his obvious youth and her older years.
Such is their infatuation that when they discover Andrea’s talents on the violin, the sisters decide to keep quiet the fact that the sister of a world-renowned musician is also staying in their village.
Hayley Mills portrays her never-been-kissed character with real beauty, believability and poise, allowing the audience to genuinely empathise with her and never once dismiss her deep-rooted love as fantasy.
Belinda Lang is also likeable as the elder, practical sister who, having lost her first love in World War One, comforts her younger sibling through the painful experience of falling in love.
Carol Macready provides plenty of well-timed laughs as Dorcas, the very Cornish cook and aid, and Robert Duncan and Abigail Thaw are stellar support for this sweet story of love and how it can take hold in many forms.
At the finale, the violin’s poignant sounds are a touching reflection of the highs and lows of loving another.
Ladies in Lavender is at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday, June 2. Call 01225 448844 for tickets.
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