Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford – until 20 January 2018. Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
4****
We received a warm welcome to London Classic Theatre Company’s production of Noel Coward’s Private Lives.
In the first half, the simple hotel balcony scene was set with tired looking scenery. However this did not distract from the fluid delivery of the rapid dialogue. The ease with which the comedy flowed felt natural and almost incidental. Olivia Beardsley conveyed a nervous tension and sobbed so hilariously, I think Sibyl was brought to life in most everyone’s imagination or memory of someone they know! The selfish and carefree manner that Gareth Bennet-Ryan brought to Elyot had great comedic timing. I think my favourite moment was Amanda’s reaction when she first saw Elyot on the neighbouring balcony. Helen Keeley’s physical portrayal of Amanda’s reaction made the audience laugh out loud, here and many other times during the play. Paul Sandy’s portrayal of Victor as an uptight, moralistic man that just wanted to love and be loved had me wanting to give him a hug and shake him at the same time!
The Paris flat scenery in the second half was well placed and representative of the era. I think Rachael Holmes-Brown version of Louise The Maid was more clumsy and inept than necessary and detracted from the over all performance. I have to doubt her authenticity and also Elyot’s ability to speak French! The first choreographed fight scene was a shock, even though you were half expecting it, because it all happened so quickly and was so well synchronised. After that the comedy value took over and they were simply very funny.
Over all a great evenings entertainment and a worthy rendition that I think Noel Coward would have been happy with!