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Quintet Theatre Company Cecil Memorial Hall Cranborne November 2003 The letters cover the lives of Americans Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner from early childhood through boarding school, college, careers and marriage – not to each other, although their relationship is clearly based on a deep love between them. They are so descriptive that every scenario was easily imaginable, whether Melissa’s failed art exhibitions and alcoholism or Andy’s time in a rowing team and at law school. Using nothing more than facial expressions and vocal intonation performers Glenwood Carlyon – who also directed - and Jill Howes brought the characters to life with such realism that I felt tears pricking my eyes when the final letter revealed Andrew’s utter grief at Melissa’s death. And, in an evening where clarity of speech was all, they gave every word its full weight as well as producing more than credible American accents. This was Quintet’s first production and, if this is the standard it has set for itself, long may it continue. Linda Kirkman Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo |
