大象传媒

Noel Coward had a deep affection for many of the actresses with whom he had worked over many years and was only too aware of the problems they faced as parts simply dried up. He sets his play in 1960 in The Wings, a charity home for actresses who have fallen on hard times. Here, the ladies grow older ungracefully amid squabbles, memories and jealousies.

Things really come to the boil when the once great actress Lotta Bainbridge arrives. Years earlier, she has married the former husband of another inmate, May Davenport who is resolved to never forgive her. Their feud soon affects everyone. It is only resolved when one of the other ladies sets fire to her room. Following this accident, Lotta and May work towards a reconciliation. However, Lotta鈥檚 life is further turned upside down when her son unexpectedly returns after 17 years. Coward regarded this scene between mother and son as one of the best he had ever written. He also wrote the words and lyrics for the various songs.

For Penelope Keith and director Martin Jenkins this proved to be a memorable reunion as both were members of the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963 and over the years they have worked together on a number of occasions. Now in their 80s, they both share a passionate belief in the power of drama on radio.

'Working on the play some 65 years after it was written was a fascinating experience. Coward clearly knew and understood these women so well. They are totally believable. They are not shallow luvvies but real people experiencing all the problems which come with old age including dementia, boredom and loss of purpose but Coward lifts our spirits by lacing all this with humour, vigour, vitriol, energy and music. One minute you are laughing, the next you are confronting heart-felt emotions. It was a privilege to work with such an outstanding cast.' (Martin Jenkins)

Cast:
Bonita - Frances Jeater
Deirdre - Sorcha Cusack
Maudie - Cheryl Campbell
Sarita - Marcia Warren
Estelle - Jean Trend
Perry - Karl Davies
Miss Archie - Jenny Funnell
Osgood - Andrew Branch
Zelda - Clare Corbett
Alan - Roger Alborough
Dora/Dr Jevons - April Pearson

Written by Noel Coward

Pianist: Zhanna Kemp
Sound Design: David Thomas
Production Manager: Sarah Tombling

Adapted for radio and directed by Martin Jenkins

A Pier production for 大象传媒 Radio 4

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