A tale of love and memories

Kathy Evans, Lesley Maltman, John Dulcamara and Helen Dulcamara

Ladies in Lavender is a stage play adapted from the 2004 film of the same name, which was written and directed by actor Charles Dance and starred Maggie Smith and Judi Dench.

The film was based on a short story by William Locke, while the play was first performed at the Royal and Derngate in Northampton, with TV and film stars Hayley Mills and Belinda Lang in the lead roles.

Rugby’s production is directed by Senga Veasey. Senga said: “It’s an unusual but beautifully written love story, and we’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing it to the stage in Rugby.”

The story is set in Cornwall in the mid-1930s and is about two ageing sisters whose lives are turned upside down when they discover a young man washed ashore on the beach, close to death.

They nurse him back to health and discover he is a talented Polish violinist, on his way to seek a career in the USA. It leads towards an evocative, heart-warming conclusion after a journey of discovery for the sisters.

The show stars Leslie Maltman and Kathy Evans as the sisters, supported by Helen and John Dulcamara, Alex Brown plays the violinist, and Ewa Lowe who makes her debut on the Rugby Theatre stage in the role of Olga.

The play opens at the Henry Street venue for a run of eight performances from Saturday March 12.

Call (01788) 541234 or visit rugbytheatre.co.uk to book.