Review: PRIVATE LIVES - Royal Exchange Theatre (01/04/26)

Plenty of charm, warmth and wit on display in new staging of this Coward classic

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After the success of the recent revival of Jim Cartwright's play "Road", artistic director Selina Cartmell's second outing at Manchester's resident in-the-round space is a new revival of arguably one of the most popular and regularly staged works of English playwright Noël Coward, previously staged at the Royal Exchange in 1995 and later in 2011. "Private Lives" is a play that is most definitively not going to break any new ground, no matter how many times it's staged, however its inherent intellect, humour and quick wit, combined with the often brazen and frenetic nature of the relationship development, regularly makes for thoroughly compelling and amusing theatre; this new staging is certainly no exception.

Steve John Shepherd and Jill Halfpenny (credit: Johan Persson)

Centred around divorced couple Elyot and Amanda, the story sees the pair and their respective new partners Sibyl and Victor on separate honeymoons which, amusingly and borderline farcically, end up with the two couples not only staying at the same hotel at the same time, but also inhabiting adjoining rooms. Each half of the former couple regale their brand new partners with tales of woe from their past lives with one another, however upon discovering each other's presence as neighbours, their fiery, often tumultuous prior romance ends up reigniting in the most chaotic manner.

It is pretty commonly accepted by now that Coward was as much a fan of marriage as a gazelle is of a hungry lion on the Serengeti, with his biting cynicism and unabashed contention towards the entire institution of matrimony on full display during this bitesized three act comedy of manners. What can truly make or break the piece, however, is how it is performed, with the handling of Coward's comedic stylings often proving pivotal. Happily this is a production that has clearly, in spite of some stunning visual design by Dick Bird, kept the performances of our cast of five at its heart and soul, and director Blanche McIntyre has most certainly got the best out of her performers, as they take great pleasure in picking apart the text and really making it flourish.

Steve John Shepherd and Jill Halfpenny (credit: Johan Persson)

Elyot is this time brought to life by Steve John Shepherd, who perfectly balances an effortless charisma and charm with just the right degree of recklessness and hot-headedness, making Elyot both debonair and dangerous. Playing opposite him, Jill Halfpenny is simply enchanting as ex-wife Amanda, taking on this most pivotal of roles with poise, flair and terrific fire where needed, displaying fabulous humour, but also never shying away from the more emotionally intense moments. Combine the two, and Shepherd and Halfpenny are a match made in heaven, we believe every note of their turbulent past, as well as the unpredictability and volatility of their post-divorce reunion.

The supporting cast equally play their roles with marvellous panache, there's an unexpected strength of will about Shazia Nicholls' portrayal of Sibyl, she never seems like keeling over at a moment's notice, yet still maintains the innate naivety and youthful insecurity that we have come to associate with Elyot's new spouse. Equally, Daniel Millar presents the perfect English anorak of a man, rigid, conventional and emotionally reserved, and all to highly amusing effect, which makes his payoff in the final act feel earned; Millar proves once again that he's a performer of unbridled talent and versatility.

Even the limited role played by Sara Lessore, during which she spends much of her time on stage speaking French, is played with full commitment, with an audience reaction of uproarious laughter at her character's attempt to manoeuvre a heavy armchair back up onto the stage, all whilst still trying to maintain her already sorely tested composure. It has been almost a century since "Private Lives" was first premiered, and clearly it has lost none of its charm, wit or humour, as many of the tropes surrounding the institution of matrimony, and the cynicism with which they're treated, remain ever relevant and relatable, which is perhaps the most potent contributor towards the success and popularity of the play today.

★★★★☆ (4*)

"Private Lives" runs at the Royal Exchange Theatre until the 2nd of May (tickets)

{PR/Gifted tickets}