The Genesian Theatre’s production of Enchanted April was one of the best productions I’ve seen at the small inner city venue. Debbie Smith’s fine production served Matthew Barber’s fine adaptation well.
Enchanted April fits into the bored women getting away from it all in an exotic location and coming home rejuvenated genre. Four English women, each with their own issues, take off on an adventure to Italy and spend an enchanting April month in a magical villa called ‘San Salvatore’.
Paula Searle gave a refreshing, high-spirited, confident performance in the lead role, Lotty Wilton, who came up with the idea of the trip and ran with it. Lisa Harrison played Lotty’s friend Rose Arnott, who took a bit of persuading before agreeing to escape She did well in the repressed woman coming out of her shell role.
Vanessa Coffey was suitably haughty as the beautiful, aristocratic Caroline Bramble. Ros Richards started a little nervously but came into her own as the niggly, crotchety Mrs Graves, who showed there was more than a little fire in her belly.
Jenny Jacobs was a delight as Costanza, the local San Salvatore housemaid, who couldn’t speak a word of English but, with her considerable charm, managed to keep everything under control.
Debbie Smith’s lush design of the ‘San Salvatore,’ designed by Grant Fraser, was a highlight when it was revealed after interval, when the four ladies finally made it to their dream destination.
