Ladies in Lavender (play)

Ladies in Lavender is a play adapted by Shaun McKenna from the 2004 film of the same name, which in turn was based on a short story by William J. Locke. The play, like the film and short story, tells the story of Ursula and Janet Widdington, two elderly spinster sisters living in a small coastal village in Cornwall, England, in the 1930s. Their lives are disrupted when they discover a young Polish violinist washed ashore after a storm. They nurse him back to health, and a complex and poignant relationship develops as they are charmed by his musical talent and presence.

The play explores themes of aging, loneliness, repressed emotions, and cultural differences. It examines the sisters' sheltered lives and how their encounter with the young man, Andrea, challenges their routines and forces them to confront long-held feelings. The play often highlights the societal constraints and expectations placed upon women of that era, particularly those who remained unmarried.

While the core narrative remains faithful to the film and short story, the theatrical adaptation allows for a different interpretation of the characters and their relationships, often emphasizing the internal struggles and unspoken desires of the protagonists. The play has seen various productions, each offering a unique interpretation of the beloved story.