I wanted to describe two women at exactly that moment; a long past behind them, but the expectation of a considerable future in front of them.
[1] The play began previews at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in the West End on 3 October 2002, starring Judi Dench as Frances Beale and Maggie Smith as Madeleine Palmer.
[2] It was due to play a strictly-limited season until 21 December 2002, but demand was so popular the run was extended to 1 February 2003, following a Christmas break.
[4] Plans for the play to transfer to Broadway, with Smith reprising her role and Dianne Wiest taking over from Dench, were rumored in 2003 but were never established.
Isla Blair and Patricia Hodge starred in a short revival of the play at the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield from 21 to 26 February 2011.