This gorgeous production of Noel Coward’s 1930 comedy of manners PRIVATE LIVES is a fitting end to Castle Hill Players highly successful 2018 season. With an excellent cast who continuously try to outdo each other in wit, charm, hate, satire, bitterness and almost every other emotion the audience is engaged and laughing from start to finish.
The play concerns a divorced couple Elyot, played by Jeremy Johnson, and Amanda, played by Nicole Harwood, who were once unhappily married and are at first horrified to find themselves honeymooning with their new spouses in adjacent rooms at the same hotel. The chemistry between these two actors is electric as they bring out every nuisance of the wonderful script being powerfully attracted, yet also repulsed by each other. At one moment they are uttering sweet nothings and at the next hurling vicious putdowns.
Having their first marriage destroyed by roller coaster emotional and, as it transpires, physical battles the passionate Amanda and Elyot have decided to play it safe in their second marriages. Choosing someone more tame and stable, Elyot’s new wife Sibyl, played by Madeline Stanford, is a rather weak and simpering character in contrast to his wild streaks and Amanda’s pipe chewing, rather staid husband, Victor, played by David Went attempts to calm her spirited exuberance. However when Elyot and Amanda meet old desires ignite and, spurred on by the magic of the music and moonlight, they flee to Paris to begin again.
All does not go well, especially when their new partners find them and evengreater heights of emotion are displayed by all the characters. Margaret Olive as the world-weary French maid, Louise, adds yet another level of comedy in her supporting role.
The play remains true to the era in which it was written, including the domestic violence which is not shirked in this production but raises issues for today’s audience. The excellent set design by Maureen Cartledge, moving from the hotel balcony to the flat in Paris, sets the tone and the atmosphere is highlighted by the sound design of James Winters evoking the sounds of the surf and the music bringing back nostalgic memories for the characters. Lighting design by Andrew Kinch and the beautiful costumes by Annette van Roden further capture the mood of the play and draw the audience into the 30’s era.
Directed by Jan Mahoney this top class production of English manners, displayed at their hilarious worst, is recommended for anyone wanting a delightfully entertaining night at the theatre.
PRIVATE LIVES from Castle Hill Players [Facebook] runs until 8th December, 2018 at The Pavilion Theatre, off Showground Road, Castle Hill.
