Enchanted April, by Matthew Barber, from the novel by Elizabeth von Arnim (performed 24th-26th November 2022)
Sweet-natured Lotty Wilton is suffering depression from the bleak London winter, and from an oppressive relationship with her pompous solicitor husband. When she sees an advertisement in the paper to rent a castle in Italy for the month of April, an idyllic spot “for those who appreciate wisteria and sunshine,” she jumps at the chance to escape her downtrodden existence. Sensing an instant kinship with fellow housewife Rose Arnott, a severely angelic woman with sorrows of her own, Lotty persuades her along on the adventure. Seeking to reduce the costs, the two ladies find Caroline Bramble, a beautiful and exhausted socialite, and Mrs. Graves, an overbearing widow, to round out the party. As the month passes, verdant sun-drenched San Salvatore works its magic on each sad and hardened heart, healing grief and bringing hope. And with the arrival of two chastened husbands and one attractive young artist, romance blooms again. Matthew Barber’s Enchanted April, based on Elizabeth Von Arnim’s beloved novel of the 1920s, is a gentle and romantic comedy of manners. Against the backdrop of a country still reeling from World War I Enchanted April offers to its characters, and viewers, a necessary balm of sunshine and renewal.
REVIEW
St George’s Community Players director Sharon comes through a baptism of fire
It was different, it was refreshing and it was another superb performance by the St George’s Community Players in Morpeth when they presented their autumn production ‘Enchanted April’ in the Church Hall last week.
And Sharon Saint-Lamont, who was making her bow as director believing that the role would be a dream, came through the test with flying colours – even after a baptism of fire.
The players tackled Matthew Barber’s adaptation of a novel by Elizabeth von Arnim with great tenacity and aplomb, and that included Ms Lamont.
Two and a half weeks before curtain up, Joann Evans – who was cast in the part of Rose Arnott – took ill and this eventually forced her to withdraw from the role with Ms Lamont stepping into the breach.
Brian Bennett (Morpeth Herald)
Cast and Crew:
Elizabeth Blanchard – Lotty Wilton
Sharon Saint-Lamont – Rose Arnott
Hugo Davison – Mellersh Wilton
Alan Bullock – Frederick Arnott
Sue Rutherford – Mrs Graves
Bridget Rowbottom – Lady Caroline Bramble
Lena Walsh – Constanza
Charlie Tomson – Antony Wilding
Sharon Saint-Lamont – Director
Anne Marie Cairns – Assistant Director/Prompt
Robin Heron – Stage Manager
Stephen Burn and Robin Heron – Lighting and Sound
Robin Heron and Stephen Burn – Set Design and Build
St George's Community Players 