Les Liaisons Dangereuses

On our arrival in the auditorium, we were immediately transported from a rather cold and damp Whitstable to the delightfully versatile apartments of the pre-revolutionary French aristocracy. A beautiful setting for this tale of seduction set in France, among aristocrats, before their country’s revolution. The appetite wetted, our expectations were immediately further excited by the arrival of beautifully attired characters who, one by one, would cast their spell over their audience in this exploration of decadent sexuality, morality and selfishness.

From start to finish this marvellous cast were absorbed in their characters, and word perfect. They gave flesh to the bones to Christopher Hampton’s words with confidence and commitment, without which the production would have surely failed. Paul Morris as Le Vicomte de Valmont was rakish, suitably arrogant and convincingly self-possessed in his pursuit of his virginal prey Celcile Volanges, played by Susan Beer. Suitable coquettish initially, she transformed Cecile from innocence to willing participation frighteningly well. Lucie Nash as La Marquise de Merteuil was a blissful fit with Valmont’s oozing confidence. A commanding stage presence that demanded full attention. Vicky Wilsher played La Presedante deTourvel convincingly, dignified, confused and ultimately the doomed victim of sexual manipulation.

A mention must go to the sword-fighting sequence between Valmont and Le Chevalier Danceny – played by Joseph Rowlstone – convincing and cleverly placed. The remaining cast and ensemble players were exemplary, each playing their parts to support the traps and intrigue woven by Valmont and La Marquise, as they sought to satisfy their salacious plotting.A mention must go to orchestration of the maids and male servants involved in the choreography of numerous scene changes – there were no curtain breaks in the play. Particularly delightful was the fussy head of house – castigating her minions to hurry along. Slick and no doubt concentrating on the details of pictures, furnishings to ensure it was the correct apartment depicted. It never interrupted the flow between scenes. A well-tuned team – both on and off stage.

It was interesting to see the list of ‘Creatives’ involved in bringing this excellent production to a grateful audience –a magnificent team of 34... That is twice the number of actors taking part.

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