AFTER All These Years is a fitting title for one of the first shows back on Island stages after many months off due to Covid restrictions.

The three-act comedy was written by Giles Cole and directed by Graham Pountney (who also starred as Charlie).

It was staged at the Apollo Theatre in Newport last Friday and Saturday, and is on at Ventnor Fringe this week. We saw it at the theatre.

Telling the story of two elderly couples, the play explores one evening from two different perspectives in the first act, before a time jump of two years reveals how the story turned out…

Nicholas Day played Alfred with some truly captivating physical acting to represent the slow decline of his physical and mental health.

He played primarily alongside Graham Pountney, a television star who played Mark Foster in 1980s series Howards' Way, who created a real depth to a very complicated character.

Then there was Joan, played by Catharine Humphrys who brought out a sly and sexy persona that demanded your attention.

Finally, the part of Marianne was played by Hilary Townley, who had to step in at the last minute to fill the role. Thankfully, Hilary’s effortless acting swept away any concern as she bubbled with infectious energy on stage.

The cast’s acting subtlety and vivid performances may have made After All These Years seem like a big screen performance, but there was no mistaking where we were when they all took their well-earned bows.

Close Quarter Productions will be welcome back on our Island stages whenever they like!

The Apollo Theatre's next production is A London Affair, from Friday.