Most theatre opening nights are special but this opening night was extra special. Not only was theatre royalty appearing on stage in the forms of John Bell and John Gaden, but the play was also co-directed by Bell along with his wife of over fifty years, Anna Volska. Speaking of a family affair John Bell and Anna Volska were on opening night supported by their daughters, Hilary and Lucy Bell.

To add a soupcon of extraordinary uniqueness the playwright Cyril Gely flew in from France especially to attend the opening, and also to meet the play’s English translator Julie Rose. Regular Ensemble Theatre opening night attendees present included Emeritus Artistic Director Sandra Bates, current Artistic Director Mark Kilmurry, Kate Raison and Brian Meegan together with their daughter Hannah-Rae Meegan who was one of the Ensemble’s front of house staff, and Henri Szeps with his wife Mary-Anne.

Pics Ben Apfelbaum.