The devilishly funny comedy Quartet will open Queensland Theatre Company’s Season 2016 at the Playhouse on 30 January 2016. Writer Ronald Harwood, author of Another Time, The Dresser and Interpreters, takes on retirement with tenderness, grace and hope – but no self-pity – in this moving and all too truthful tale of the frustrations and fears of getting old.
After wowing the world, retired opera singers Reggie, Cissy and Wilf have been put out to pasture in a country retirement home. Their chief concerns are scatty Cissy’s wandering memory, flirty Wilf’s obsession with dirty talk, and gentleman Reggie’s ongoing battle to get bloody marmalade with breakfast. What keeps the trio raging against the dying of the light is headlining the annual gala concert marking composer Verdi’s birthday.
The serenity of their rehearsal room is shattered by the arrival of Jean: diva, celebrated soprano, fourth member of their old quartet and Reggie’s ex-wife. Not that he’s thought about their horribly dysfunctional marriage in years, of course. Can these four put aside old grudges and re-team for one more show-stopping finale?
Quartet debuted in 1999 at the Albery Theatre in London, with its touching themes of art illuminating life, the stresses of getting old and passions in the world of music striking a chord with audiences worldwide. The play was then adapted into a successful film in 2012 by Director Dustin Hoffman and starred Pauline Collins, Billy Connolly, Maggie Smith and Tom Courtenay.
Under the direction of QTC Artistic Associate Andrea Moor, Quartet will star screen and stage powerhouse Andrew McFarlane (Water Rats, Blue Heelers, Home & Away, The Alice, and Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities among others), along with fellow award-winning actors Christine Amor, Trevor Stuart and Kate Wilson.
Director: Andrea Moor Featuring: Christine Amor, Andrew McFarlane, Trevor Stuart, Kate Wilson Assistant Director: Catarina Hebbard Designer: Bruce McKinven Lighting Designer: David Walters Sound Designer: Tony Brumpton Stage Manager: Peter Sutherland
Quartet
Playhouse – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)
Season: 30 January – 21 February 2016
Bookings: 13 62 46 or online at: www.qpac.com.au
For more information, visit: www.queenslandtheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Cast of Quartet (supplied)