QUARTET

Beecham House looks like an extended summer music camp for the elderly more than anything else. All patrons are extremely talented – and rightly so, having been celebrated opera singers in their glory days. The home is quaint and charming, but order is disrupted with the arrival of famed diva, Jean Horton (Maggie Smith). Having her reputation precede her, her arrival is met with both admiration and intimidation.

The plotline centres on Beecham House’s annual gala and Jean’s refusal to be recruited by the performers. The original quartet; Sissy (Pauline Collins), Reg, (Tom Courtenay), and the cheeky Wilf (Billy Connolly) try to convince Jean to participate. Though a little slow moving at first, Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut is poignant, insightful and endearing. (SY) ***