Theatre / Theatre Royal Bath
Review: Private Lives, Theatre Royal Bath
Nigel Havers is a consummate entertainer who really understands his audience – and Patricia Hodge is a truly spellbinding actor. Together, as divorced lovers Elyot and Amanda, they and the rest of the team deliver a high-quality night of laughter, wit, wry reflection and delight at Theatre Royal Bath.
Not everyone’s a Noël Coward fan – he’s often reduced in popular memory to ‘French window wit’ and flippant bons mots. But Private Lives is more than that. It’s a wry, knowing poke at marriage, divorce and that strange nether-world of second marriages. It’s still full of trademark whip-smart one-liners, but there’s maturity and heart in what lies between his characters.
We start in the traditional way: two hotel balconies, side by side (Simon Higlett’s design is superb throughout). On the first balcony, new bride Sybil (Natalie Walter) needles new husband Elyot (Havers) about his previous marriage. Once they go inside, on the neighbouring balcony new groom Victor (Dugald Bruce-Lockhart) mithers his new bride Amanda (Hodge) about that very same first marriage. And inevitably, before too long, ex-husband and ex-wife come face to face, and the comedy and drama unfold.
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This is excellent theatre, delivering great pleasure for the audience. And it’s got reassurances stamped all over it: top-billing stars, a very impressive production team (David Pugh and Theatre Royal Bath Productions) and a well-tested script. The production doesn’t disappoint and – in normal times – should make a West-End appearance before long.
But that’s not what makes Christopher Luscombe’s production show stand out. Patricia Hodge gives a genuinely dazzling performance. Her Amanda is magnetic, heart-warming and someone from whom it’s impossible to tear your attention. This is no small feat – she and Havers barely leave the stage; it’s a demanding role. But she is completely convincing and makes Amanda a woman I want to book in for a long, lazy lunch. And while Havers’ Elyot must play the straight guy, to allow Amanda her head, Hodge does – just slightly – outshine the rest of a very able cast.
As a script, Coward’s Private Lives is a beautiful little dance – courtly in its symmetry, full of cheeky twists and flirty flourishes. But what makes it is Havers and Hodge as an impressive duo. If it’s your kind of theatre this is a show you shouldn’t miss.
Private Lives is at Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday, November 6, at 7.30pm, with additional matinee performances at 2.30pm on November 4 and 6. Tickets are available at www.theatreroyal.org.uk.
Main photo: John Swannell
Read more: Review: The Good Life
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