I have to say that curiosity was my main motivation for paying a visit to Newport Playgoers’ latest offering, Love Story. How on earth could a 1970’s Hollywood blockbuster film with minimal plot, transfer to the stage, and, more importantly, would it shatter my teenage memories of the era?

I needn’t have worried. In the capable hands of director, Steve Bissex-Williams, this chamber musical oozed innocence, charm and sensitivity.

Updated from the 70’s to the present day, the play opened with the funeral of 25 year-old Jenny Cavelleri, and, left with no illusions as to the finale, we were allowed to enjoy the journey that a very capable cast led us on.

David Constant as Oliver and Eloise Rossiter as Jenny were perfectly coupled in extremely demanding roles, that never saw them leave stage. Vital, sensitive and entirely credible , they brought their romance alive whilst at the same time sharing some memorable duets, What Happens Now and Pasta immediately springing to mind.

Linda Cleak’s singing voice soared in a sympathetic portrayal of Oliver’s mother, whilst the warmth of Jenny’s father Phil played by Bob Brown was nicely juxtaposed with the cool authority of Oliver’s father played by Eamonn Corbett.

The production was visually stunning and full credit must go to stage manager Wayne Fenton for the orchestration of exhaustive yet seamless set changes. The small orchestra being on stage throughout was an innovative touch and lent intimacy to the score.

Recommended, the production runs until Saturday