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"The four actors have achieved a chemistry that enables subtle interchanges while rattling through the speeches like well-oiled machine guns. The piece is nothing without style, and Michael Cabot’s production has plenty of that. The set - by Frankie Bradshaw, who also designed the costumes - is masterly. Four splendid performers capture the mannered style very convincingly. The first honeymooning couple we meet is Jack Hardwick’s Elyot, relaxed in spats, and Olivia Beardsley’s Sibyl - kittenish and breathlessly gushing as she takes in the harbour view. A tremendous coincidence has the next suite occupied by his ex, Helen Keeley’s languorous, vampish Amanda with her new partner, Victor [Kieran Buckeridge, whose physicality, and physiognomy, seem perfect for the period]. The breakfast scene is exquisitely done, a perfect end to this bracing sprint through Private Lives, in a stylised, and stylish, interpretation. Another fine production of a great play from this enterprising touring company."
Michael Gray - The Reviews Hub

"The script may be over 80 years old, having first delighted audiences in the 1930s, but this production fizzed with humour and life. A superb five-strong cast and a stylish but simple set worked wonders to whisk the audience away from the woes of the modern world. Helen Keeley put in an excellent turn as tempestuous femme fatale Amanda. Each of the characters are richly developed and wonderfully contrast each other. This fantastic revival of Coward’s battle of the sexes classic paid testament to his talent, and his well-deserved place as one of the nation’s greatest playwrights."
Katie Clark - Bournemouth Daily Echo

Private Lives

CREATIVE TEAM

Playwright: Noël Coward
Directed by Michael Cabot
Designed by Frankie Bradshaw
Lighting by Andy Grange
Costume Supervisors: Flora Moyes & Lisa Aitken
Production Manager: Rory Fyffe
Fight Director: John Fryer
Assistant Director: Charlie Rogers
Photography: Sheila Burnett

CAST (Autumn 2017): Olivia Beardsley, Kieran Buckeridge, Jack Hardwick, Rachael Holmes-Brown, Helen Keeley.

CAST (Spring 2018): Olivia Beardsley, Gareth Bennett-Ryan, Rachael Holmes-Brown, Helen Keeley, Paul Sandys.

SELECTED VENUES:
Coventry Belgrade, Cheltenham Everyman, Derby Theatre, Yvonne Arnaud Guildford, Everyman Cork, Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne, Blackpool Grand, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Malvern Festival Theatre, Theatr Clwyd, Hull Truck Theatre, Theatre Royal Plymouth.

THE SHOW:
In Private Lives, Noël Coward’s most popular and enduring stage comedy, strong passions and stronger personalities set the stage for a classic battle of the sexes.

1930. Deauville, France. Two newly-married couples occupy adjoining honeymoon suites in the same hotel. As a distant orchestra plays, Sibyl gazes adoringly at charismatic husband Elyot, while Victor admires his new wife, the vivacious and sophisticated Amanda.

Champagne flows and the sea shimmers in the moonlight. But when Amanda overhears a familiar voice singing a forgotten song, an old spark reignites, with spectacular consequences.

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