Of course we know that any Noël Coward play must be delivered with a certain degree of elegance and class, but when you know that New York’s Kim Cattrall is starring, you expect at least a degree or two more. Theatre Royal Bath’s production has certainly met these high expectations.
The opening set was delightfully and quintessentially French with its wall of shutters and beautiful balcony. The white curtains enabled each character to show a little bit of themselves, with Victor (Simon Paisley Day) being instantly frustrated when unable to smoothly move through them as opposed to Elyot (Matthew MacFadyen) who of course could whip the curtains away with ease. The first act presented a couple of opening night mishaps which were charmingly overcome by Elyot and Sybill (Lisa Dillon). This opening act set the scene for the characters that we were to follow both simply and effectively. This was not so much a play about wondering what was to happen next as the storyline, no doubt copied numerous times since, is fairly obvious, but more about the tickling jokes, perfectly designed set and charismatic characters that we experience along the way.
Kim Cattrall played Amanda, a feisty and alluring character who oozes sophistication, at least up to the third act. Forgivably Kim Cattrall faltered on the English accent, but not often and only, it seemed, on the lines that she seemed to enjoy saying the most. It was almost as if she dropped back to her own accent on purpose, to highlight those lines that resounded with her own personality so well. When you hear her say the word “morals”, you will know what I mean.
She also moved like a model, striking poses at each point as she worked her way around the set. She made shapes that showed off the best features of the costumes she wore, and were this to have been an advert, we most certainly would have all hit the shops to find those outfits.
Matthew MacFadyen played a strong Elyot, he was sharp and convincing and the chemistry between him and Cattrall was just perfect.
Acts two and three were set in a Parisian apartment with an enchanting decor and use of lights and props. The relationship between Elyot and Amanda really shone through and the timelessness of the writing was apparent. Even a strong woman like Amanda had her insecurities, and these, as with all couples, caused their little riffs and ravels. Elyot was typically male with his dismissal of her at times which drew the whole audience into the laughter as they matched the happenings on stage with those of their own.
Sybil and Victor provided a delectable sub-plot, their individual characters providing a neat contrast to the realism of Amanda and Elyot. Sybil was hysterical and jealous, showing those more hidden yet perhaps more frequent characteristics of females and Victor was even less forgiving of the women than Elyot.
The whole play illuminated how a relationship can be a success. Its relevance to today’s society is quite incredible, given that it was written in 1929. It teaches tolerance and love through passion and jealousy, but above all it shows that with the right chemistry, you can truly be yourself with your partner. It shows that love, time and a mix of maturity and a lack of it, can allow a couple to overcome their personality clashes.
Private Lives is on at the Theatre Royal Bath from 10th – 20th February 2010 and will then move to the West End.
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