Angie Johnson reviews a production written just after the Great War

The latest production by the Mill Theatre at Sonning has a wonderfully romantic and positive message that really captures the joyfulness of spring and rejuvenation. Adapted for the stage by Matthew Barber from Elizabeth von Arnim’s 1922 novel, Enchanted April tells the story of a party of women who travel to Italy for a month’s holiday and there rediscover themselves and reignite their passion for life.

Written just after the Great War, its theme of renewal is was very germane — it reflects a period where much was lost, and the role of women in society was being completely redrawn.

Lotty Wilton and Rose Arnott (Sarah Edwardson and Melanie Gutteridge) are, for very different reasons, unhappy in their marital relationships. In an effort to escape the slough of despond into which they have fallen they respond to an advert detailing a small Italian castle to let for the month of April — offering ‘wisteria and sunshine’. The plot though charming is also thoughtful – dealing with issues such as loss, adultery, and loneliness.

But despite its ‘meaty’ underlying topics, the Italian adventures of the ladies are told with wit and sympathy.

Happily, though somewhat unusually, Enchanted April presents four strong female roles (to help them afford the rent Lotty and Rose recruit two extra housemates) and each are realised excellently in this production. Hilde-garde Neil gives a flawless realisation of the elderly and curmudgeonly Mrs Graves, whose once-interesting life surrounded by the great writers of her day has dwindled into a lonely widowhood, while Francesca Bailey provides her perfect counterpoint as the beautiful but jaded young socialite Lady Caroline (Francesca Bailey).

This sparring pair, alongside cameo performances from the men in their lives — Martyn Stanbridge and Jai Armstrong as Mssrs. Wilton and Arnott, Christopher Leveaux as the castle’s owner Anthony — and Italian housekeeper Constanza (Anna-Maria Everett) provide most of humour in the play.

It is indeed very funny at times but under the sure-handed direction of Sally Hughes the more philosophical and tender moments are also allowed to blossom.

Enchanted April is an inspiring celebration of women’s ability to survive and rise above troubles.

Enchanted April
Mill at Sonning
Until May 17
Box office: 0118 969 8000 millatsonning.com