THEATRE REVIEW: Private Lives - The Lowry Theatre, Salford.

Currently at Salford's Lowry Theatre, this UK tour of Noel Coward's 'Private Lives' is just about as good as theatre gets. Metaphorically sticking two fingers up at the modern generation of actor, this production proudly told them, in no uncertain terms, "This is how it's done!".

A most wonderful and detailed set design (Simon Higlett), brought us right into the correct period and milieu with elegance, whilst I would defy anyone to find five more suitable cast members for this period comedy of manners.

Not a single syllable of Coward's ebullient and caustic wit was missed. Christopher Lusombe's direction was faithful to the play in terms of both era and playwright's wishes, whilst allowing a few personal touches to flourish and infuse the drama. 

Two couples on honeymoon in adjoining balconied bedrooms of a hotel on the northern French coast. [Sounds like the start of a Whitehall Farce doesn't it? and perhaps it almost could have been except that this was written by Noel Coward.] The husband of the first couple sees that his first wife, whom he divorced some 5 years' ago, is now the wife of the second couple, and thus begins the comedic descent of this plot. 

Nigel Havers and Patricia Hodge played these two divorcees, and their on-stage chemistry sparkled. The entire second act is just the two of them on stage and it was electric. The ups and downs of their torrid love / hate relationship played to absolute perfection. Their respective newly-wedded husband and wife were played by Natalie Walter and Dugald Bruce-Lockhart. Their skill being in underplaying their roles just a little - perhaps in a similar way that both Richard Briers and Felicity Kendall accrued most of the audience's sympathy and love in TV's 'The Good Life' despite being overpowered by Paul Eddington and Penelope Keith. Whilst the cameo role of Louise, the French Maid, was played with realism - thank goodness: the phrase 'French Maid' has led, in previous productions to some hilarious, but totally misplaced characterisations! - by Aicha Kossoko.

Does Nigel Havers really play the piano? I couldn't see from my seat, but I hope so; it felt like it. Excellent. 

My one - and only one - slight disappointment this evening were the onstage slaps and hits. It is a pet hate of mine, and unless the hits are meant to be comedy (and here they were not), doing a conventional "stage hit" just never looks nor feels right. They are so obviously contrived and false, no matter how deft and skilled one is in timing and response. 

However, that slight niggle notwithstanding, this play is an absolute joy. Played with obvious relish by the five actors / actresses with old school elan and polish. An absolutely delightful evening's entertainment.

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 15.2.22