The Vortex by Noël Coward

This early play by Noël Coward – nearly one hundred years old – is an interesting piece.  The plot, revolving around the relationship between a mother, her adult son and her young lover must have been sensational at the time and is unsettling, even today.  With the references to drug-taking and some subtle hints in the dialogue that there may be further flaws to Nicky’s character, one could see why Coward had trouble with the Lord Chamberlain over the content
The piece was well suited to the intimate space of the King Alfred Phoenix Theatre.
The set was nicely designed and suitable to period and setting.  Scene changes were fast and efficient.  Direction well paced, and dialogue was delivered clearly.
The argument between Florence and Nicky which takes up more than three quarters of Act III was a superb performance by both players and directed with lots of movement to keep the audience engaged.  One felt that mother and son had both learned something new about each other and about themselves at the end of the story.


 

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