Never Too Late: Play for Today | Preview (5)

At her best friend Marjorie’s funeral, Cynthia Jackson - mid-70s, bold and stylish - shocks her daughter Amanda with her refusal to play the frail widow. But when Cynthia collapses, Amanda insists she move into Cedar Wood Retirement Village for her safety.

Cynthia bristles at the village’s rules (‘no antisocial behaviour’, ‘no noise after 9pm’), but quickly finds a rebellious ally in another resident, Mary. Together, they strike against the rules one by one - hosting strip bridge, dabbling with narcotics in the greenhouse, and causing chaos with exotic pets.

Amid the fun, Cynthia discovers Frank Davies, a charismatic former singer and her long-ago fling, lives next door. But their reunion also reopens old wounds. Complications mount as Cynthia juggles Frank’s rekindled attention, controlling management, and Amanda’s dismay.

As secrets spill in a hospital room, the story culminates at Cedar Woodstock, the retirement village’s big festival. Cynthia finally embraces her second act, performing on stage with Frank while Amanda, Mary, Brian, and the residents dance together. Cynthia has rediscovered not only love and friendship, but also herself.

Anita Dobson (Doctor Who, The Long Call, Inside No 9, EastEnders, Father Brown) will lead the cast as Cynthia, Nigel Havers (The Gentleman, Chariots of Fire, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story) will star as Frank, Tracy-Ann Oberman (It’s a Sin, EastEnders, Friday Night Dinner) as Cynthia’s daughter Amanda, Nina Wadia (Count Abdulla, EastEnders) as Heather, Michael Fenton Stevens (Death in Paradise, The Sixth Commandment) as Peter and Natasha Williams (It’s a Sin, EastEnders) as Mary.

Never Too Late airs Thursday 13th November at 9pm on 5.