What’s Happening?
MATES Theatre Genesis is presenting Quartet at the Birkdale School of Arts, with the season now in its final weekend.
The play is written by Ronald Harwood and directed by Linda Groundwater.
It follows four former opera singers living together in a retirement home. Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred are preparing for their annual Verdi concert when Jean suddenly arrives.
Jean is Reggie’s ex-wife, a former diva, and a person who quickly stirs old tension.
The group has shared history, old wounds and a few secrets between them. They are asked to perform one final time, but harmony is far from certain.
As the show puts it, ageing is mandatory, growing up is optional.
Why It Matters?
Quartet gives local audiences a warm and funny look at ageing, friendship and second chances.
The story explores people who still carry ambition, pride and regret, even later in life. It also shows how music and memory can bring people back together.
For Redlands audiences, the production offers a local theatre experience built around comedy, emotion and familiar human tension.
By The Numbers
- Two performances remain, giving audiences a final chance to see the production.
- Four former opera singers sit at the centre of the story, with their past and present driving the comedy.
- Saturday, 6 June, is the final performance day, with both a matinee and an evening show scheduled.
Local Impact
The production adds to Birkdale’s local arts calendar and gives residents another reason to support community theatre close to home.
Staging the show at Birkdale School of Arts also keeps live performance accessible within the local area.
It means audiences do not need to travel far for a full theatre experience.
Zoom In
The tension begins when Jean arrives at the retirement home. She was once part of the group, and she was also married to Reggie.
Her return unsettles the balance between Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred. Old feelings rise quickly, and the group must decide whether they can put the past aside.
Jean refuses to sing, but the annual Verdi concert still looms. That question sits at the heart of the play, can they perform together one last time?
Zoom Out
Quartet is more than a story about former opera singers. It is about how people carry their younger selves with them, even when life has changed.
The play uses humour to look at age, pride, regret and friendship. It also reminds audiences that second chances can arrive in unexpected ways.
What To Look For Next?
The final shows will give local audiences one last chance to see Quartet at Birkdale School of Arts.
With a matinee and evening performance still to come, the closing weekend gives the production its final moment in front of Redlands audiences.
Venue: Birkdale School of Arts Hall, 101 Birkdale Road, Birkdale
More information from MATES Theatre Genesis: https://matestg.org.au/plays/quartet/
- Saturday 6 June, 2 pm to 5 pm
- Saturday 6 June, 7 pm to 10 pm
Buy tickets HERE
