'The Mystery of the Rose Bouquet'

by Manuel Puig

Directed by David Graham-Young
Set designed by David Burrows
Costumes designed by Chrystine Bennett
Lighting designed by Marie Le Saux

with Susan Franklyn
and Valerie Sarruf

at The Old Red Lion Theatre, Islington, London

October 15th to November 2nd 2002

This is a 4.3mb Quicktime movie of moments from the show.

Set in an exclusive nursing home, a rich cantankerous old lady is already on her fourth nurse of the week. But this one is not all she appears to be, which leads to some elaborate games and cruel deceptions. The two women act out their dreams and fantasies in which episodes from their past lives echo and inform the present, revealing frustrated ambitions and buried memories. This is a touching and uplifting play full of penetrating insights, scenes of gripping suspense and mischievous humour.

Reviews

“Superb revival. Warmly recommended. It will have been an exceptional year on the fringe if I see better performances or a more engrossing production than this”. (Five star rating) (Recommended)
John Thaxter, What’s On, 23rd October 2002

“An accomplished cast and director David Graham-Young’s deft touch assure the strength of this convincing production. By the end of the evening few could deny that this little masterpiece deserves wider recognition.”
Ham and High, 25 October 2002

“David Graham-Young’s enjoyably piquant production exhibits the catty humour, the skilfully elusive characterisation and the shiver-down-the spine uncertainty that reveal this as a minor gem.”
Rachel Halliburton, Evening Standard, 18th October 2002

“Contemporary Stage Company has pulled off an enigmatic, haunting production which had me pondering and meditating long after the end. Valerie Sarruf played the Patient magnificently… elegant performance from Susan Franklyn… captivating production.”
Theatre World Internet Magazine, 19th October 2002

“A decent revival of an intriguing rarely staged work”
Time Out, 23 October 2002

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