Duet for One

Synopsis

With strong echoes of the life and experiences of celebrated cellist Jacqueline du Pre running through it, the play tells of Stephanie, an eminent violinist, who has been confined to a wheelchair by multiple sclerosis. On her husband's advice she consults a psychiatrist to help her come to terms with a life deprived of its main purpose. Under the quiet probing questions, layer after layer of protective pretence is stripped from her, revealing dangerous depths of resentment and despair.

Our Review:

9 September 2009

Maybe it’s something to do with the credit crunch, but some of the country’s top performers seem to be increasingly prepared to show off their skills around the regions these days.

Milton Keynes played host earlier this year to the dream pairing of Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen in the pre-West End tour of Waiting For Godot. Now it’s the turn of acting giants Juliet Stevenson and Henry Goodman.

The pair have hit the road after a highly successful London run in Tom Kempinski’s two-hander Duet for One. And the talent is an absolute joy to behold.

Stevenson, who seems to be able to command any emotion at the drop of a hat, whether on stage, film or television, gives a masterclass performance as Stephanie Abrahams, a concert violinist struggling to come to terms with the multiple sclerosis that has ended her career.

Almost entirely wheelchair-bound, Stevenson transcends the limitations of her physical confinement t...

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