Private Lives.

Channel 4 Teletext

Review by Sheridan Morley

The Howard Davis revival of Private Lives is not only the best since Noel Coward dies almost 30 years ago, but it is also the most faithful

For years we have suffered from whizz kid directors and designers giving Coward "concept revivals" or staging him in post-modern in imposible sets. What is wonderful about this revival is the faith the director and cast have in their author.(In Mr Rickman's own words."Always remaining true to what I saw as evidence on the page" Ok so he wrote that about As You Like It, but the same concept applies.)

There have been some minor cuts - a three act play is now a two act play - and there is one breathtaking innovation, though I believe it is one with which Noel would have no trouble at all. In the old Act 2 there has always been a dodgy moment when Elyot and then Amanda go to the piano. Davies adds the most hearthbreakingly autobiographical of all Coward's songs - If Love Were All.

As for casting, Davies has reunited Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan from his triumphant Les Liaisons Dangereuses of a decade ago. Because they already exist as a team their Elyot and Amanda are perfectly matched. In love, lust and loathing they are Coward's perfect odd couple. Adam Godley is touching as Victor, who goes down like a ninepin when attacked from all sides. Only Emma Fielding as the equally unfortunate Sybil ("Don't quibble, Sybil") Seems seems to have a little trouble with the quickfire pace of Coward's constantly mood changing quartet, but that will come with a little practice.

I just wished that Noel had lived to see his most successful comedy being celebrated instead of commandeered - made just to work instead of being made over.

 

 

 

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