THE Garrick’s first play of the season, Ladies in Lavender is about two ageing sisters whose lives are turned around when they discover a young man washed ashore and close to death.

Director and set designer, Barry Purvis said: “In Mousehole, Cornwall, just before the Second World War, people were suspicious of strangers so when someone is washed up on the spinsters’ private beach, life is never the same again for anyone.”

The original 2004 film, which has been adapted for the stage by Shaun McKenna, was written and directed by Charles Dance, a few years before he played Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones.

Barry said: ”In this play there are scenes of exquisite poignancy and tenderness, laced with comedy.”

The two sisters will be played by Margaret Leslie (Ursula) and Mags Johnston (Janet)

“They are having fun with their characters,” he said.

He is pleased that the Garrick will be able to use the original film music by Nigel Hess.

It was Nigel who scored the music for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Loves’ Labours Lost and Much Ado about Nothing which visited Manchester last year.

Barry’s set, depicting a cottage and gardens, explodes into the audience and the Garrick’s new sound system will enable the audience hear the sea all around them.

The Cornish theme will be emphasised by snacks served at the bar although these will not include the stargazy pie which features in the play!

* Ladies in Lavender is at the Garrick Playhouse from September 11 to September 16. For tickets, telephone 0161 928 1677 Option 1.