(seen at the afternoon performance on 13th June 2026)
It is easy to see why Maureen Lipman was attracted to Peter Quilter’s new comedy.
Everything about it feels like Lipman’s late husband – (the irreplaceable) Jack Rosenthal’s television era. Slightly eccentric ordinary people, embarking on personal flights of fancy. Easy to dismiss as frivolous, but there is hard-hitting meaning underneath.
Allegra (Maureen Lipman) and brother Ronen (John Middleton) were named for music by their mother. Allegra will give an entire recital anytime, anyplace, and her quiet village shops and restaurants are so tired of it that the police become involved.
Of course, the policeman is of the “comedy plod” variety, Bailey Patrick landing a few good one-liners as Officer Rogers.
For good measure, add in Anna (Elizabeth Bower). A Czech mother to two children and four dogs, she is appointed Allegra’s carer, and swiftly becomes enmeshed in the mayhem.
Quilter’s script takes far too long to set up the situation, by modern standards. This is 1970s paced West End theatre comedy, of the type the monkey caught the end of in the mid-1980s.
Sit back, let the almost psychedelic-trip musical interludes charm and entertain (spot the Gene Kelly moment, relish the ball game), and the whole point of the evening will sneak up on you as a reward.
Stephen Mear both directs and choreographs, an excellent creative mixture paying full dividends.
He allows Lipman full rein, a riotous anarchist later delivering a rather moving final scene.
The rest of the cast are also able to dance up a decent storm. John Middleton moves from exasperated brother to a deeper understanding of both his sister, and simple human needs.
Elizabeth Bower had the monkey believing she was Czech, and also wondering if Anna is available for other care work jobs, between family and Allegra commitments.
Justin Williams, Sam Biondolillo and Ben Bull deserve considerable credit for the country cottage set, lighting and video design respectively. Surprises in all of them, and the monkey will not spoil them – save applauding the entire tulip sequence.
Notes too for Livi Van Warmelo, musical director hidden backstage, and dance captain Helen Goldwyn for getting the most from her ensemble.
As every year, there is a play for the summer months which goes well with a Pimms and Lemonade, Wimbledon and Glyndebourne, all the British warm weather traditions.
Based on performances and feel good alone, his entertaining yet poignant comedy about music and its effects on people and places is really rather just the thing.
4 stars.
Photo credit: Marc Brenner. Used by kind permission.