Private Lives
"Private Lives" by Noel Coward
Directed by Sandra Hines
Mousetrap Theatre, Redcliffe.
In Private Lives the Mousetrap Theatre Company presents a delightful, sophisticated comedy, well acted woth obvious enjoyment by the cast in authentic and attractive settings, all making the most of Noel Coward's clever and witty dialogue.
The action of the play concerns a divorced couple, Elyot and Amanda who meet accidentally on adjoining balconies of a hotel in Deauville, France, at the start of their respective honeymoons to second spouses Sybil and Victor. They soon realize they still love each other and should not have divorced so they abandon their new spouses and run off to Paris together.
However, esconced in their comfortable, Parisien apartment, Elyot and Amanda soon become caught up in the same stormy jealousies and arguments that originally ruined their marriage. This rather contrived situation enables Noel Coward to display his clever and somewhat cynical, comic dialogue as his characters alternatively kiss and cuddle or fight with both verbal and physical violence. At the end of Act II, comedy teeters on farce as their respective spouses arrive in the middle of a violent quarrel.
In Act III, the quartet continue to air their petty squabbles, and jealousies, displaying a cynical view of love and the play ends in a comi-tragic reversal of roles.
The cast all played their parts most convincingly. Elyot (Justin Wallace), smooth and somewhat cynical, conveyed Cowards comic lines cooly and effectively and Amanda (June Trethaway), acted powerfully, bringing out the sexual tension between her and Elyot most realistically. Both actors made good use of stage movements and Coward's excellent dialogue.
Sybil (Amanda Burgess), and Victor (John Sayles), acted well in their roles of new and soon to be abandoned spouses. Sybil, in particular managed to invoke sympathy as the rather immature, clinging bride.
Louise (Sophie Even), developed her cameo role as the French maid with verve and a superb French accent.
This play was beautifully directed by Sandra Hines who moved her cast around the stage with great energy & realism. The sets in true 1930s 'Art Deco' style are a delight, costumes are attractive, reflecting the fashion of the time and Zita Anderson , the choreographer deserves high praise for the brilliant tango sequence in Act II.
This beautifully presented play was greatly appreciated by the audience who laughed and chuckled as the characters bared their 'private lives'. A great comedy,this play is as fresh as it was when it was first produced in 1930.
Trevor Hudson.
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