Private Lives

Noël Coward’s 1930 comedy of manners, Private Lives, follows divorced couple Elyot and Amanda. While honeymooning in Deauville, France with their new spouses, Victor and Sibyl, they discover they are staying in adjoining suites. Their explosive passion reignites, leading them to abandon their partners and elope to Paris.

What could possibly go wrong? Well just about everything!

In plays like this, with a small cast, there is hardly any time for characters to take a breather. The timing of the four main characters had to be spot on and alert to everything that is happening around them. We get to meet the two newly-wed couples separately at the beginning, Sibyl and Elyot Chase, played by Freya Sholl and Marcello Pupino, are very much in love – well maybe more on Sybil’s part than Elyot. They had a strong working relationship and Sybil’s insecurity was depicted extremely well by Freya, always asking for reassurance. Her depiction of the whiny character Sybil was just what was needed as a contrast to the boldness of Amanda. Marcello was making his debut with Lichfield Players, although he has a wealth of experience elsewhere, and this came across with a very confident performance. He portrayed as very self-centred and the ladies in his life could get in the way at times.

Amanda and Victor Prynne, were next to appear, and, although they were also newly-weds, did not appear as ‘loved up’ as Sybil and Elyot. Shu Shah as Amanda, gave a very commanding performance and took centre stage whenever she appeared, you almost felt sorry for poor Victor, played by Matt Beebee. Like Sybil, he was seeking reassurance that he had made the right decision, or rather that Amanda had! All four players spoke clearly, maintaining the desired accents throughout. There is no doubt that the play relies heavily on the dialogue and timing of delivery and there was evidence that a great deal of work had gone into this. There was a lovely cameo role from Mandy Davies as the French maid, Louise. I must commend Mandy on the French accent which never faltered throughout.

Lichfield Players always take the utmost care to make sure all costume and props are suitable and appropriate for the era of the play, and this was no exception. I did fall in love with the record player – or should I say gramophone! It was a lovely touch to have it playing, well done to the researcher for locating it. As always, sound effects were on cue and lighting changes were used to maximum effect.

Congratulations to Mike Franklin on his first role as director with the Players, he had obviously given attention to detail to make this production believable.

Once again, an enjoyable evening and I’m sure, a rewarding production for all involved. Well done Lichfield Players.

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