Home and Beauty

This was a super production of a lovely play. Written by Somerset Maugham, and set in 1919, it tells the story of Victoria, an accidental bigamist. Thinking that her husband has been killed in the war she marries his best man, then, of course, the husband returns.

Eleanor Marsden was perfect as the deliciously shallow Victoria, flirting outrageously with any man in sight and Simon Irwin and Tez Cook, as husbands 1 and 2, were fabulous as they fought to be the one to leave her. Gary Nicholson was also convincing as the rich Mr. Paton, Victoria’s next victim.

Victoria’s mother was brilliantly played by Vara Williams. At times her comments on the society life of that era were hilarious. The entire cast was first rate, with superb cameo performances by Norma York as the cook from hell and Mary Mitchell as quite the most unlikely co-respondent that you could possibly imagine.

The costumes seemed very authentic and the set was extremely well designed, with just slight changes completely changing the stage for each of the three acts.

I loved this play and Alec Walters, the director, not only brought out all the humour but also the subtle irony and satire of the selfish and hypocritical characters.

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