The satirical comedy first seen in 1921 feels as relevant as ever in this glittering revival which embarks on its tour after opening at Theatre Royal Bath.
Olivia Vinall as Elizabeth Champion-Cheney and Pete Ashmore as Arnold Champion-Cheney | Photo © Nobby Clark
It is an excellent period piece, full of brutality, passion and some of the best verbal tennis available. The nature of love, responsibility or lack of it in pursuit of passion at all costs drives the central story.
Lady Kitty is a high-society woman who chooses to live a life of romance and abandons her husband Clive and her young son, Arnold.
She runs away to be with Lord Porteous, her husband’s dear friend. We meet them thirty years later and their romance is barely flickering, but it would appear history is about to repeat itself as her abandoned, frightfully dull now politician son, Arnold, is about to lose his beautiful wife Elizabeth, to the handsome Teddie Luton. But will she be able to escape her unhappy marriage where the furniture is regarded more highly than her?
Jane Asher as Lady Kitty and Nicholas Le Provost as Lord Porteous are a fabulous pairing. Jane Asher impossible glamourous and perfect is now with a partner who moans, grumbles and has problems keeping hold of his false teeth. There is great chemistry which brings huge enjoyment.
Olivia Vinall as Elizabeth, equally exquisite in comparison to Arnold, played by Robert Maskell is totally out of place in his world.
He remarks several times about the beauty of the chair legs; totally missing the romance needed to keep Elizabeth interested.
Daniel Burke as Teddy is again picture perfect; fully dapper and ripping with his tennis racquet in hand.
Add to this a stellar performance by Clive Francis as the scheming, controlling and meddling Clive Champion – Cheney then there is nothing but fireworks.
This is an extraordinary cast who capture the era with perfection and the satirical bite of each word with sheer joy.
I am sure as the run continues it will continue to find its way and bring much pleasure to many.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
