Review: Touched by Argent Theatre at Robin Hood Theatre, Averham

Argent Theatre have travelled back in time, but not gone too far from home, for their latest production.

Stephen Lowe’s Touched is being staged at the Robin Hood Theatre, Averham, until Saturday (March 16) and is well worth a watch.

The drama is set in Sneinton, Nottingham, in the 100 days between VE Day and VJ Day at the end of the second world war.

The focus is on three sisters and their wider friends and family as they look forward to peace, new beginnings – and the return of their husbands from war.

But not everyone is in the mood to celebrate as the toll of the war years is felt.

Once again, Argent has assembled an excellent cast. complete with authentic Nottingham accents! They gel so well together you would believe they are that tight knit community.

Directed by Mary Timms, this is a well-acted drama that combines tough subjects with some light-hearted moments.

Rebecca Ladds stands out as Sandra, the sister struggling with a wartime tragedy and the impending return of her prisoner-of-war husband.

Rallying round to support her are sisters Joan (Louise Hunt) the family rock, and Betty (Lucy Kitchen) who has suffered her own loss but is now ready to look to the future.

Mam is played by Yvonne Cockayne and the family is completed by young Pauline, Joan’s daughter, played by Autumn Leeson-Smith, who was surprised on opening night by a visit from the actress who played Pauline in the original production.

Their neighbours and colleagues are played by Sally Williams (Mary) Connor Marshall (Johnny) Janina Sulek (Bridie) and Tim McManus (Keith and Chef).

Altogether, it is another high-standard production that you have come to expect from Argent.