Details

Oliver Bashford returns from the First World War crippled, facially disfigured, and hopeless about his future. Unable to face the high-society lifestyle he once enjoyed, he hides himself in the countryside where he encounters a lonely, seemingly unattractive local girl, Laura Pennington. Forced to protect himself from the interference of his social-climbing parents, he proposes marriage, although neither loves the other. The reluctant couple, however, fall under the spell of Murray Hillgrove, a neighbour blinded in the war whose optimism and belief in the power of love instigates an extraordinary, perhaps even magical, change in the couple. With his encouragement, Oliver and Laura do fall in love and, as they do undergo a mysterious and inexplicable transformation. But can this fragile and private enchantment survive the cruel scrutiny of sceptical outsiders? Performance length: Approx 2 hours

Cast/Performers

Daniel Abelson, Andrew Boxer, Paul Critoph, Sarah Feathers, Victoria Gee, Jamie Hinde, Moir Leslie, Lachlan Nieboer, Nicola Wright

Creatives/Company

Book by: Arthur Wing Pinero
Adapted by: Phil Willmott
Company: The Steam Industry (in association with Neil McPherson for the Finborough Theatre)
Director: Phil Willmott
Design(s): Robin Don, Ruth Hall (associate design)
Lighting: Peter Bragg
Costume: Penn O'Gara