Fallen Angels

This play is typical Noel Coward, witty and caustic dialogue with lots of humour. It tells the story (over three Acts) of two upper-class married women and the effect the prospective arrival of their former, shared lover, has on their friendship.  The announcement of his intention to visit also threatens their comfortable, if rather dull, lives if their husbands discover the secrets of their earlier years.  Set in the 1920s this play was almost banned as at the time it was considered outrageous due to its drunkenness and pre-marital sex being taboo subjects.  Although not frowned on now, the play is still funny and was well received by the first night audience. 

The direction of the play was well balanced and thought out. The beautiful and cleverly designed set, on two levels and exquisite costumes enhanced the action.  The characterisations were first class with superb timing, especially from the two leading women, Jo Long and Julia Chapman, and also Paola Burgess as the know-it-all maid, Saunders.  Unfortunately there was little opportunity for the male characters (the husbands: Keith Robertson and John Ranson) to shine as their characters,  were rather grey, but they made the most of their parts, as did Gary Wales as Maurice Duclos, who appeared briefly towards the end.  An excellent production.  Congratulations to this outstanding team.

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