By Grace Hatchell
Private Lives gets a gloriously chaotic 1980s makeover
Big hair, iconic music, questionable fashion and even more questionable romantic decisions are heading to London this November as Noël Coward’s Private Lives receives a colourful 1980s makeover.
Frankly, if there is one thing capable of making Coward’s deliciously chaotic relationships even more dramatic, it is adding shoulder pads and hairspray.
Elyot and Amanda were once married to each other. They are now honeymooning with their new spouses at the same hotel when a chance encounter brings them face to face again.
Naturally, everybody behaves sensibly, respects their new marriage vows and enjoys a peaceful honeymoon.
Only joking.
The old spark immediately reignites, and the former couple impulsively abandon their respective partners and elope together. After several days reunited, however, Elyot and Amanda rediscover why their fiery romance has always alternated so enthusiastically between love and fury.
Their understandably aggrieved spouses soon arrive, loyalties begin shifting and a roundelay of new alliances unfolds. The women unite, fall apart and reconsider their allegiances as Coward’s wonderfully sharp dialogue carries everyone deeper into romantic chaos.
“Love is no use unless it’s wise, and kind, and undramatic. Something steady and sweet, to smooth out your nerves when you’re tired. Something tremendously cosy; and unflurried by scenes and jealousies.”
It sounds lovely. Unfortunately, Elyot and Amanda have never been particularly gifted at wise, undramatic or unflurried.
Written by Noël Coward and directed by Georgia Geupel, this Roaring Screaming Production relocates the classic comedy of manners to the colourful excess of the 1980s. Audiences can expect glamour, iconic music and the sort of fashion choices best approached with confidence and very firm shoulder pads.
Joe Poole plays Elyot, with Rosie Dalton as Amanda, Madeleine Curry as Sibyl, Max Fleming as Victor and Georgia Geupel as Louise.
Ticket information
Private Lives runs from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 November at the Old Red Lion Pub & Playhouse, 418 St John Street, London, EC1V 4NJ.
Performances begin at 7.30pm from Thursday to Saturday, with a 5pm performance on Sunday 8 November.
The production runs for approximately 140 minutes, including an interval—presumably allowing everyone a few minutes to recover from the marriages, elopement and magnificently poor decision-making.
Tickets cost £17.50, with concessions available at £14.50. Prices include the booking fee.
Private Lives – Old Red Lion Pub & Playhouse
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