Relative Values

It was a pleasure to visit The Phoenix Theatre in Ross on Wye and receive a warm welcome from the Company.  ‘Relative Values’ by Noel Coward set in 1951, is a comedy of manners and deals with the issues of class and status which highlight a clash of cultures between Hollywood stars and the English aristocracy.

The audience was met with an excellent looking set suitably dressed with appropriate furniture and props, depicting a living room in the Marshwood household. We first meet ‘Crestwell’ the butler, a housemaid ‘Alice’ and ‘Moxie’ the long-standing personal maid to the ‘Countess of Marshwood’.  Steve Banner as the butler was everything you could hope for in a first-class butler, anticipating the next move, a soul of discretion with the family and often direct with the other staff. An excellent all- round portrayal. ‘Alice’ was also well played by Jacky Bedford often requiring a chivvying by ‘Crestwell’.  ‘Moxie’ played by Lucy Davies was also a very proper household servant of over 20 years and would have gladly remained so, but for the news of an imminent new arrival in the family of the Earl of Marshwood’s fiancé. I could really feel her anxiety and mixed feelings, so well portrayed by Lucy.

‘Felicity’  the Countess of Marshwood cemented the action throughout and this was an excellent performance by Suzanne Hill. She is trying to accept the social changes that are taking place around her, but ultimately doesn’t and feels that her son is marrying beneath his class. Suzanne’s expressions, speed of delivery and timing were spot on. Son ‘Nigel’ (The Earl of Marshwood) insists he and his American fiancé are very much in love, but has a reputation. Robin Haig gave a convincing performance and so too did his intended ‘Miranda Frayle’ (Corinne McClune) who swept in with apparent sensitivity but was economical with the truth. She is pursued by ‘Don Lucas’ an old American boyfriend who turns up unannounced. (Les Davies). Both Corinne and Les had great accents and were convincing.

The principal line up had great depth and the supporting roles of ‘Lady Cynthia Hayling’ (Ann Stirrup), ‘Admiral Sir John Hayling’ (Bob Houghton), and ‘The Honourable Peter Ingleton’ (Tim Betts) were all well played each with a very natural performance.  All the cast were impeccably dressed and carried themselves with class. But then, this was a class production by Amanda Barrett.

Thank you for the opportunity to attend and I also congratulate The Phoenix Theatre on reaching its centenary this year.

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