“French sticks being the acceptable face of white bread, this musical starts at an advantage.
Based on a 1938 French film, it features the young, errant wife, a figure familiar from Guinevere to Mme. Bovary.
The play’s durability is surprising, coming from the Ivor Novello era. The French certainly had more to think about the following year.
It is small biere but shows how passion and bread can disrupt the life of a paint-drying village.
When the company sings of those two preoccupations, under Nicola Diggins’ and Andrew Wheeler’s direction, they make waves.
Characters come to life in song – Sean Lilley-Springett as the baker, Holly Brice as the wife and Matthew Corry as the lover.
Sean’s characterisation expands as his life turns grim. Holly sings with a strident, touching angst of her mixed feelings.
Matthew’s love song comes over like a big number from Les Mis, a true troubadour.
Karen Stephenson, as ever, acts and sings her socks off as the café owner’s wife.
Cathal Prendergast contributes a lively priest, from somewhere in the west of Ireland.
A committed cast, a good band and a clever, Gallic set all add to another heart-warming evening from Palgrave Players.”