There’s something truly magnetic about a play that holds you at the edge of your seat, slowly pulling you deeper into its world with every passing moment. In Praise of Love does just that, creating a charged atmosphere where tension builds quietly, but persistently, in the midst of seemingly everyday exchanges. A beautiful balance of humour and heartbreak, this play keeps you engaged from start to finish, delivering its emotional punches with grace.
Set in 1970s England, In Praise of Love follows Lydia, an Estonian refugee, and her husband Sebastian, a sharp-tongued literary critic, as they each try to protect the other with carefully kept secrets. Written by Terence Rattigan, the play brings to life four sharply drawn characters, each carrying their own secrets, loyalties, and regrets. The dialogue is interlaced with political banter, which, even without knowledge of historical and socio-political context, is engaging, revealing not just the characters’ ideologies but also the tensions simmering between them.
Daniel Abelson (Mark Walters) is a standout; his performance is charming, energetic and layered with vulnerability and wit. Claire Price (Lydia Cruttwell) brings a chaotic yet controlled intensity to her role and Joe Edgar (Joey Cruttwell) provides a touch of lightness and youthful earnestness that rounds out the family dynamic beautifully. Dominic Rowan (Sebastian Cruttwell) delivers a complex portrayal of a man weighed down by secrets and sentimentality. His slightly laboured manner of speaking may feel affected at first, but it ultimately complements the character’s emotional weight.
The play takes place in a single living room and Orange Tree Theatre’s in-the-round configuration heightens the sense of intimacy. Amelia Sear’s clever direction keeps all audience members engaged, regardless of their vantage point. About midway through the play, a chess table sits at the centre of the stage, echoing the strategic manoeuvring within the family, where truths are guarded like pawns and confessions held in reserve.
Set and costume design by Peter Butler is understated but thoughtful, anchoring the action in the lived-in domestic space. The light design (Bethany Gupwell) is frugal, sharp, and emotionally resonant, used with precision to create visually striking moments and subtle psychological shifts.
The pacing in Act 2 is masterfully handled, as layers peel back and the true emotional stakes come into view. There’s an undercurrent of heartbreak, but it never turns maudlin. Sears allows space between the lines – silences that ache, glances that land – and in doing so, honours the emotional precision of Rattigan’s writing. Moments of humour are lightly sprinkled through the pain, and they land beautifully, never undercutting the drama but enhancing its humanity.
This is a rich, emotionally intelligent play that speaks to the quiet complexities of long-term love, loyalty, and self-deception. Beautifully performed and thoughtfully directed, it’s the kind of theatre that doesn’t shout to be heard but leaves you moved and entertained in equal measure.
In Praise of Love is running at the Orange Tree Theatre until 5th July. Tickets can be found at https://orangetreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/in-praise-of-love/
Reviewer: Aditi Dalal
Reviewed: 3rd June 2025
North West End UK Rating: