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| http://www.londonclassictheatre.co.uk/index.php/2017/09/private-lives/ |
28th Sept 2017
Presented by London Classic Theatre
Written by Noel Coward
Directed by Michael Cabot
The stage is set - matching verandas in a hotel in the south of France. Louvred shutters, leading into unseen rooms. Two honeymoon suites with two newly married couples. A band plays below in the hotel grounds. A familiar tune to one half of each couple and the catalyst that sets the drama in motion as they realise that their ex-spouse in the room next door.
Olivia Beardsley as Sybil Chase hits just the right level of ingenuous innocence as she gushes over the hotel, the view, her new husband - but quickly reveals a knowing waspishness when asking about his ex-wife. She is not so naïve as she makes out. Elyot (Jack Hardwick) is louche and sardonic, but quickly loses his temper as the questions and comments about his first wife come thick and fast.
Amanda (Helen Keeley) and Victor Prynne (Kieran Buckeridge) in the neighbouring suite play out a mirror image of the Chases' conversation - all is not as it seems in their newly wed relationships. Helen Keeley plays the glamorous socialite with flare, slipping from vampish teasing to sardonic boredom and back again with ease. While Kieran Buckeridge carries off the bluff, utterly smitten husband, the archetypal gentleman, prepared to defend the honour of his lady. What he discovers is his lady may not have any honour to be defended.
The joy of the play is that the audience sees the situation unfolding - we are in the know and can anticipate what will happen. Although written in 1930 and set very much in the sophisticated world of the elite upper classes, Coward's observation of human nature is such that the story can still be enjoyed today by a very different audience. The plot - a story of a couple who love with a passion, who cannot bear to be apart but cannot live together is a perennial one. Written today it would perhaps be a darker, grittier play. but this is Noel Coward, and it is a light, frothy battle of the sexes.
A sumptuous set, fabulous frocks for the girls, great timing and sharp acting make this a perfect night out.
Private Lives is at the Gala till Saturday before continuing its national tour. Dates and venues here: http://www.londonclassictheatre.co.uk/index.php/2017/09/private-lives/
Denise Sparrowhawk
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