Private Lives, The Mill at Sonning - ★★★★★ - Until August 3, 2019


Noel Coward would have loved this production! It completely expresses his style. The martinis are served and the quips fly. The cast perfectly capture the rhythm and delivery of Coward's dialogue and do a masterful job with the physical comedy. Eva-Jane Willis is a delightfully capricious Amanda and Tom Berkley is wonderfully stiff, humourless Victor. Lydea Perkins does a fine naive, cloying Sibyl and Darrell Brockis triumphs in Coward's own part as the aloof, witty Elyot. Tam Williams' direction hits just the right brittle note and the roughhousing is beautifully choreographed and believable. Michael Holt's set has the period just right. Overall this is a first-rate production! And with all this, you also get an excellent two course meal before the curtain rises. With tickets and meal costing only £51, this really is the best theatre deal available in "London." Yes, you do have to organise a trip to Reading, but the beautiful setting of the theatre and its unique ambience alone make the journey worth taking, and then there's the play. Get out of the West End!

 Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until August 3, 2019
Tue - Sat: 7:15 pm, Thu, Sat & Sun: 2:15 pm
The Mill at Sonning
Nearest station: Reading
http://www.millatsonning.com/shows/private-lives
Map & Location: Sonning Eye, Reading RG4 6TY, UK

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