Quality Street unwrapped at theatre – and result is sweet

JM Barrie’s box of sweet tomfoolery on Quality Street has been unwrapped at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. And there is something to suit all tastes – underlying touch of female power, comical costume drama and, ultimately, sheer farce.

And Adrian Rees’ unashamedly chocolate box-inspired set is quite inspiring (a certain brand of sweets was named in recognition of Barrie’s offering). And, of course, his costumes always delight.

It is the time when Napoleon waged battle with anyone and everyone – a time when the demure ladies of the parish knew their place – the young still harbouring thoughts of marriage, the others donning a cap to finally admit their place is “on the shelf”.

Phoebe excitedly declares to her older sister Susan that local doctor Valentine Brown is calling round with an announcement. But the expected proposal turns out to be his desire to go to war in Europe.

Fast forward 10 years, and the sisters have started a school for “genteel children” to pay the rent, and Phoebe has joined the ranks of the “old maids.” The return of Brown does not help her depression and, “tired of being ladylike,” she takes on the persona of a fictional, flirtatious niece Miss Livvy. Then the fun begins.

Fiona Wood certainly brings the quality to Quality Street – softcentred as the young Phoebe, hard exterior as the school ma’am, then a variety of flavours among the frippery of Miss Livvy. This in direct contrast to the reserve of Camrie Palmer as Susan. Alan Mirren dashes around with great aplomb as Valentine Brown. Especially enjoyed the curtain-twitching maidens played by Deirdre Davis, Kirsty Macduff and Laura Costello, with Helen Logan full of enthusiasm as the sisters’ maid.

Director Liz Carruthers has injected a lease of life into this piece. A tasty addition to this year’s repertoire.

Quality Street continues on various dates until October 12.