What a life of ruse, where “Love and Chaos Collide” in Noel Coward’s Private Lives.
It is evident that some knowledge of Noel Coward,his character as a playwright, composer and director, would stand you in good stead to appreciate this play. Coward was a distinguished actor flamboyant full of wit and charm using the English language like a tool to convey drama, comedy in a unique style that became his trademark. Private Lives a 1930 Coward’s comedy classic has seen many revivals in the past and this new production directed by Tanuja Amarasuriya has a sleek “modern connection” to the original. Written about the lives of a couple separated by divorce only to meet again on their honeymoon night with their new spouses. Their eyes meet on the hotel balcony, the chemistry reignites, and rekindled love ensues, or does it.
Act one sets the scene nicely as the two couples arrive to enjoy their first night as a married couple, Elyot played by Chirag Benedict Lobo the cad the egocentric husband is engaged in deep conversation with his new wife Sibyl Sade Malone. An inquisitive intellectual conversation of intrigue and curiosity about his time with preceding wife Amanda, played by Pepter Lunkuse. Sibyl “Do you love her; Elyot no, I hate her” and as Sibyl digests his words and emotions she prepares for a night of love and romance. As the scenes unfold simultaneously Victor Ashley Gerlach is asking the same questions of Amanda, in a protective slight annoying manner one would expect when you are just not sure if your love is reciprocated.
Each scene flowed beautifully interjected with drama and comedy acted out well by each individual character. It made sense and was authentic to Noel Coward’s style of entertainment. To highlight the socially skewed view of marriage, relationships and behavioural norms in keeping with that era. The set and costumes are vibrant of its time, and oozes sophistication snobbery and beautiful things. It works well in its simplicity to compliment the performance and did not distract from it. In this play less is more and it worked so well.
There are scenes of intimacy, verbal and physical violence fighting amongst all the actors which can be shocking to watch. Act two has a long scene between Elyot and Amanda and on display a no holds barred tumultuous relationship laid bare through love and hate.
A ‘private life’ in decay, it felt too long, with lots of dialogue to take in and digest. Which felt heavy, if shortened an opportunity to involve the maid Lousie played by Jodie Cuaresma would be fun addition. Her comedy timing offered light relief when she did appear although brief as the French maid huffing and annoyance over an attempt at poor translation.
Despite this, Noel Cowards’ Private Lives is fascinatingly enlightening, a great play acted out to absolute precision.
Directed by Tanuja Amarasuriya
Set & Costume Designer Amy Jane Cook
Fight & Intimacy Director Haruka Kuroda
Movement & Intimacy Director Jennifer Kay
Running Time 2hrs 20minutes with an Interval Age 14+
Running 14th -25th October 2025, https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/private-lives-j6ry
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 15th October 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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