Private Lives at the Princess Theatre Torquay Review
Private Lives
Princess Theatre, Torquay
29 February to 5 March 2016
Reviewed by Linda Pickford
I was delighted to be offered the opportunity of seeing Tom Chambers in Private Lives at the Princess Theatre in Torquay. As a long-time fan of Noel Coward I was hoping to enjoy an evening of fast repartee and audience laughter; I was not disappointed. The laughter started almost immediately and continued right to the end.
The first act started on a hotel balcony where Elyot Chase (Tom Chambers) discovers to his horror that the lady in the adjoining room is no other than his first wife, Amanda Prynne (Laura Rogers), they are both on their second honeymoon with their new partners. They realise almost immediately that they still have strong feelings for each other. After failing to get their new spouses to agree to moving hotels they decide that their love is overwhelming and so they disappear in the night to a flat in Paris.
The next act finds them settled nicely in the flat enjoying their new found rapture. All is not simple however because the turbulent nature of their relationship soon reveals itself, resulting in some fast moving conversations and indeed an actual physical skirmish. Much to the delight of the audience! See the show yourself to discover the outcome but I must say that the pair of lovers were admirably aided and abetted by their spurned spouses, Sibyl Chase (Charlotte Ritchie) and Victor Prynne (Richard Teverson).
I particularly liked the set design at the Paris flat and the gorgeous gowns worn by Sibyl and Amanda.
The Princess Theatre is in a lovely position on the Torquay seafront and the walk along to it is lit up by the many beautiful illuminations of red, white and blue garlands. Parking is available along the front and also in carparks nearby. Get there early though because it can be very busy and bring plenty of change with you since fees are payable on a 24 hour basis. The theatre staff are all very helpful and there is an overall sense of enjoyment in the air.
I loved the play and so did the rest of the audience. The laughter did sometimes cover the next few words of the actors but certainly didn’t spoil my enjoyment of a thoroughly good evening. I would thoroughly recommend everyone to go and see this as soon as possible.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £16.90 to £40.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Private Lives is at the Princess Theatre in Torquay until 5 March 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3023.
Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5EZ | 0844 871 3023
