Noel Coward’s Private Lives at the New Alexandra Theatre Review
Private Lives
New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
8-13 February 2016
Reviewed by Victoria Linney
I decided to get the train to the theatre as now that they have opened up the South Side exit at New Street in is only a 2 minute walk to the theatre so super easy to get there. On arrival the tickets were waiting for us and the staff were polite and friendly. The theatre was clean as were the toilets. We had great seats in row K of the stalls so had a fabulous view of the stage.
There are 4 main cast members in this play; Tom Chambers (who plays Elyot), Laura Rogers (Amanda), Charlotte Ritchie (Sibyl) and Richard Teverson (Victor). There is also a character called Louise (Victoria Rigby) but she was only in the last act.
This play was written in only 3 days by Noel Coward. It is a 1930s comedy that takes place over 3 acts. It is about a divorced couple (Elyot and Amanda) that both re-married and end up honeymooning in the same place with neighbouring hotel rooms. They realise that they still love each other and run off to Paris together. They have a very stormy relationship which you see the full extent of in Act 2,the couple invent the word ‘Sollocks’ to stop arguments from getting out of hand. Act 2 finishes on a cliff hanger as their spouses (Sibyl and Victor) turn up. The last Act is the funniest in my opinion as it’s the discussions and arguments between the 4 of them.
I did find the first act a little slow to get going but once I got into it I really enjoyed it (I think that is more of a reflection on myself that the calibre of the show though). I thought that Tom Chambers made an especially charismatic Elyot and my sister who accompanied me thought he really made the show. All the actors were very good though but I have to mention Charlotte Ritchie as I felt she really made Sibyl come to life.
I did really enjoy watching this play, it was received well by the other guests too and most of us were laughing at the same point. I would recommend this show to others as Private Lives is a great story and quite funny.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £15.40 to £41.40 (plus £4 transaction fee).
Noel Coward’s Private Lives is at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until 13 February 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3011.
New Alexandra Theatre, Suffolk Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4DS
