After the spotlight has dimmed, retired opera singers who once wowed the world have retired to a country home.
Reggie, Cissy and Wilf's main concerns are a wandering memory, a flirt's dirty talk and a gentleman's ongoing battle to get bloody marmalade with breakfast. Keeping the trio raging against the fading limelight is the quest to headline the annual gala concert marking composer Verdi’s birthday. But when Jean arrives, the serenity of their rehearsal room is shattered.
The celebrated soprano, fourth member of their old quartet and Reggie’s ex-wife, Jean is a Diva with a capital D. Can the four sideline old grudges and re-team for one more show-stopping finale?
A devilishly funny journey into old age told with tenderness, grace, hope – and above all, no self-pity – 'Quartet' was also adapted as an acclaimed 2012 film. Kate Wilson, who plays the divalicious Jean Horton (Maggie Smith's role in the film), draws the curtain:
What's it like playing a retired, 'passé' star?
Great fun. By the way, Jean may be retired, but she’s not now, nor ever has been ‘passé’. She’s one of the greats in the operatic world's firmament of stars. Think 'Sutherland', 'Callas, Tebaldi', 'Fleming', 'Price'...
Kate WilsonIs aging a touchy subject or do you get to a point where it doesn't faze you?
God no. I’m grateful to be alive, so many of my friends are gone.
How do you stay young at heart?
I’m not sure I always do but I try to stay fit and busy, and curious about life; I guess that helps.
At what age do you stop taking life seriously?
Haven’t thought about it, although when I was a young mother I did – a lot. I hope my kids don’t hold it against me still.
Who do you play in 'Quartet'?
Jean Horton is a retired opera singer whose life has been one of great privilege. Coming to terms with her straitened times is her biggest challenge now – that, and having 'a hip that gives me hell.' She’s on the waiting list for a new one – the National Health.
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How much research went into this character?
Tonnes. Reading biographies of opera singers, talking to them, listening and watching great performances, reading the play on a daily basis since I was cast some months back – soaking in her rhythm and vocabulary and getting a feel for her. It’s all grist to the mill – something actors do for every role.
How does your character reflect you and your life?
She’s notoriously difficult, a huge star, and had four husbands – not a bit like me!
In your early life, which part of the 'quartet' were you; the wanderer, the flirt, the lady or the diva?
Once a lady, always a lady.
How does your (singing) voice grow and change as you get older?
Well, as I understand it, the singer’s voice ‘matures’ – the timbre can change gradually over the decades and new roles that require this sound and range may become available – to a soprano, for example, who may transition into more dramatic roles. As far as speaking is concerned there can be (as our voice coach puts it) various kinds of ‘barnacles’ on the voice. It can waver, flutter – there are hesitations too. I’ve been watching some prime examples of this on YouTube (more research).
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What can audiences expect from 'Quartet’?
Well, something different from the movie, which I saw some years ago, and which is now largely forgotten except for the central premise – four opera singers in a retirement home. It’s a four-hander, and the story is strongly driven by character concerns. It’s a delight to perform – a bit of a gift for us – I have to say.
Anything else?
Someone years ago told me that female actors entered the ‘wilderness years’ in their 30s and that this went on until their 40s after which – if they were lucky and still around – they emerged blinking into the light in their 50s to those wonderful roles for older women. Some of us have been around a bit longer than that and I can tell you the roles I’ve played in the last 10 or so years have been marvelously challenging and rewarding. I relish being what the business calls ‘a senior artist.’ My friend Wesley Enoch calls me ‘an elder.’ I love it.
'Quartet' performs Queensland Performing Arts Centre 30 January – 21 February and tours regional Queensland 25 February – 23 March.
