You may have heard of the expression, ‘A Comedy of Manners’, well this play, set in the 1920’s, is a comedy of bad manners. In their country house, David Bliss, a novelist and Judith Bliss, a retired actress, have each invited a guest to stay for the weekend. However, unbeknown to them, their high-spirited children, Simon and Sorel, have also invited guests of their own; thus creating an unplanned house party of mismatched personalities which sets the scene for this argumentative, self absorbed family to humiliate and ignore their guests. This leads to high-jinks and chaos. Written with Noel Coward’s famous wry wit.
For a comedy to retain its humour 100 years after being written is a huge tribute to its writer – in this case the inimitable Noel Coward. Deftly directed by Sue Waller, the hilarious, witty piece is as fresh as it was in 1924.
Planning a quiet weekend each member of the Bliss family have unknowingly invited a guest to their country home and chaos abounds. Nicky Mawer was in her element and wonderfully theatrical as the retired actress Judith Bliss, contrasted effectively by Richard Grant as David Bliss an author, whose quiet character grows as the play develops. Dan Creedon and Rachael Humphrey, as Simon and Sorel their grown up children bounced off each other as only siblings would – their facial expressions at times achingly funny.
As each guest arrives, romances develop – but not quite as planned. Pam Cousins, as the vampish Myra Arundel, delivered some wonderfully cutting lines. Gemma Barder as Jackie Coryton made a fantastic flapper with eyes to die for. Dipesh Lakhani gave an engaging performance as Smooth-guy Richard Greatham and Lewis Forsythe as Sandy Tyrell enjoyed the comedy with an indeterminate accent.
Barbara Lloyd was suitably down-to-earth as Clara the maid, assisted by the stage managers as extra staff for a clever set change.
(Edited from Gordon Birch’s review in the Harborough Mail)
Photography by John Harrison
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French inc. www.concordtheatricals.com