Private Lives

Private Lives

Private Lives - Vaudeville Theatre

Now in its 80th year, Noel Coward’s comedy of manners “Private Lives” arrives on the stage of the
Vaudeville Theatre with starring turns from Kim Cattrall and Matthew Macfadyen.

The play was first seen at Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre before appearing at the Phoenix Theatre in London. The first time round it included stars such as Coward himself, alongside Adrianne Allen, Gertrude Lawrence and Laurence Olivier, making it a must see event with big name actors.

That was in 1930 and in 2010 “Private Lives” appears in London once more, following various appearances since its premiere and six different runs on Broadway. Whilst it received mixed reviews upon its first appearance, the show has managed to pick up various Tony Awards with numerous revivals and showcases, as well as Drama Desk Awards and critical acclaim on the other side of the Atlantic, meaning it is now regarded as a classic.

“Private Lives” deals with the plight of two reckless lovers inhabiting a glamorous world five years after their divorce. Elyot and Amanda have been apart for some time and have managed to move on with their lives, finding new partners and marrying them, whereby they are now honeymooning in Southern France and have coincidentally landed at the same hotel. The pair meet across an adjoining balcony and a romance that they thought was at least five years behind them is rekindled. With little regard for the consequences of their actions, they indulge in lust and love, whilst the betrayal and reasons for their divorce are comfortably at the back of their minds.

Kim Cattrall, who takes on the role of Amanda, is best known for her role as Samantha in television’s “Sex and the City” and the following movie version of the same name (with another movie on the way). However, many will remember her from various roles that have been encompassed in a long career dating back to the mid 1970s, emerging in the movie “Rosebud” in 1975. After that her roles included “Police Academy” (1984), “Big Trouble in Little China” (1986), “Mannequin” (1987) and “Unforgettable” (1996). As well as these, she has appeared in numerous stage roles, including international versions of “A View From The Bridge”, “Three Sisters” and “Wild Honey”, alongside “Whose Life Is It Anyway?” and “Cryptogram” for the Donmar Warehouse.

Matthew Macfadyen is best known for his role as Darcy in the 2005 version of “Pride and Prejudice” as well as his part in “Spooks”. His other credits have included “Henry IV Part 1 & 2” for the Olivier National Theatre, “The Pain and the Itch” at the Royal Court Theatre and the movie “Frost/Nixon” (2008).

Noel Coward’s “Private Lives” appears at the Vaudeville Theatre from Wednesday 3rd March 2010 (previews from Wednesday 24th February 2010) until Saturday 1st May 2010.