THIS week the Apollo Players staged yet another performance, proving that theatre will continue to thrive despite the challenges facing the industry.

Ladies in Lavender was an almost haunting tale of jealousy and love through the sweet lens of two elderly ladies.

The Apollo Players wowed the audience with an impressive set, featuring multiple levels and impressive prop design.

The performance was largely set in the home of the titular ladies (in lavender!) and with a front garden, hallway, kitchen, lounge, and bedroom, the home felt lively and complete.

Occasionally scenes would be performed on a small thrust stage just off the main stage — this was very effective in bringing the performers out into the auditorium and created a sense of intimacy that is lost in larger theatres.

Though performers occasionally slipped into accidental interruptions of one another, the acting in this performance was clear and conveyed well the emotional twists and developments that drive the story.

Ladies in Lavender is not, by any means, a thriller. Instead, the story meanders, acting almost as a study of the various characters.

Thus, it was even more important that the Apollo Players utilised their best actors to allow the audience to engage in the story.

A standout performance was from Cheryl May, playing Dorcus, who maintained an impressive country accent throughout the performance, and brought the house down with her comedic timing.

Also noteworthy was Alex Howe, playing Andrea, whose Polish accent and thoughtful performance convinced us that he could not understand a word the other characters were saying — he was a real joy to watch.

The Apollo Players regularly feature well-known Island theatre faces, and the experience of the cast here was clear as they took the simple scenes of the script, and wove them into something very real.

Director Gwen Stevens has clearly worked her magic as every single cast member’s voice was clearly projected, and every actor turned their faces to catch the lights, making sparkling displays of emotions across every face.

This is a level of attention to detail that viewers should always look out for.