Review Private Lives at the Library Theatre, 7th September to 6th October

Private Lives is a bitingly funny success for the Library Theatre

Amanda (Philippa Peak) and Victor Prynne (Philip Rham), a newlywed couple, arrive at the prestigious French resort of Deauville to celebrate their honeymoon. But when Amanda bumps into Elyot Chase (James Wallace), her ex-husband, as he celebrates his marriage to new wife Sibyl (Isla Carter), the pair must choose between placid contentment and fiery, exhilarating passion...

The pairing of Pearce and Wallace is truly excellent casting. Peak is mesmerising as Amanda. Her sharp wit is balanced with a childlike sense of fun that stops Amanda becoming abrasive, and her comic timing is impeccable. As Elyot, Wallace is equally good - pompous, cynical, flippant and lusty. Together the pair are a delight to watch, accompanied by strong support from Rham and Carter. The set and costumes add an air of glamour to the proceedings, with Peak especially looking as if she were born to wear green silk pyjamas and a sleek bob as sharp as her tongue.

Noel Coward's script must be a dream for actors. Every scene is full of hilarious one-liners, acerbic asides and viciously funny insults, and the audience laughed throughout the show. However, it is a challenge to make the characters have depth and real feeling, and this is the greatest success of Chris Honer's production. Beneath the comedy lies a bank of real emotion and the despair of a couple who know that even though they love each other, their relationship will never work.

Private Lives may not be life-changing stuff but if you simply want an evening of hilarious theatre, you may struggle to find better.

Private Lives at The Library Theatre

7th September to 6th October 2007

Tickets from £7.50 - £18, concessions available

Pre-show talks with director Chris Honer will be held on Tues 20th September (6.30pm) and Thursday 4th October (2pm).

Box Office: 01612367110