WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS Adelaide Repertory Theatre The Arts Theatre Until 26 Jun 2021 Review by Janice Bailey “We’ll Always Have Paris” is a delightful play with well-delineated characters, written at a time when ex-pats were quite prevalent in Paris. Jill Hyem has written from a place of love and respect for Paris, encapsulating the charm and beauty of the time. Director Norm Caddick has gathered an excellent cast who give life and belief to their characters. Deb Walsh is wonderful as Nancy, a former headmistress who has moved to Paris and is preparing for the arrival of an old friend Anna, played impeccably by Lindy LeCornu. Anna is timid and the antithesis of Nancy as she explains her decision to come to Paris after the death of her husband of 20 years. She discloses how she spent most of those looking after her husband and ignoring her own needs. Peter Davies as the handyman fills the stage with his presence and we learn that he is a budding actor, displaying an unwanted interest in the timid Anna. Vicky Horwood as the landlady, Madam Boussiron, is introduced to the audience by Nancy as a harridan of sorts and we soon agree with her. Sue Wylie displays superb comedy skills and timing, especially in the Monopoly scene. The set design by Brittany Daw encapsulated the charm of a small English flat and provided an excellent backdrop for the characters. “We’ll Always Have Paris” is a charming play and a lovely way to spend a couple of hours getting to know the range of characters. Hopefully there will be no more rain downpours during the season, as in the second half it was sometimes difficult to hear the dialogue as clearly as would have been expected.