Often hailed as one of Noel Coward’s best, Private Lives is a snapshot of dysfunctional and co-dependant relationships written in 1930. In this version by OVO, we follow Elyot and Amanda, once married, now honeymooning with different partners, in the same hotel, meeting by chance on their room balconies.

The staging here is very simple, with the first half taking place solely on the balconies overlooking the sea. Not much at all happens in the first act, but that is where the beauty lies, the simplicity and farcical nature of the predicament in which the couples find themselves is so fun to watch, as the hilarity of their private lives unfolds.

With just four actors on stage, and only the one scene change, those four need to be entirely captivating and convincing. Happily, the cast here is very strong and raptly holds the audience’s attention.

The four main actors are really very funny. All wear their roles so well, delivering their lines with perfect comic timing and performing some of the close-to-slapstick elements with a light touch so they don’t seem too unrealistic or out of place.

Upon arrival at the glorious outdoor Roman Theatre setting, we are warned of themes of domestic abuse amongst the comedy. The violence and chauvinism was rightly received with some disdain by the audience, the groans demonstrating how things have changed for the better since the 30s. The toxic and poisonous nature of the relationship captured by lines such as ‘certain women should be struck regularly like gongs’. A line written for laughs, now receiving gasps. These sections of the play explore the fine line between anger and passion. The characters are vile and mean. Artistic Director Adam Nichols leaves it to the audience to make their minds up about the couple who are obnoxious and unlikable, making them incredibly compelling to watch. The more outlandish they become the more entertaining they are.

Grace Bassett is near perfect as the over-sensitive Sybil, her histrionics and shrill wining are on point, and Mat Betteridge was clearly having the time of his life as the perfectly ghastly cad Elyot, delivering his punchlines with aplomb. 

Emma Wright is really strong as the imperious and fiery Amanda, storming through life with little care for any other, and Charlie Clee is so engaging as the nervy and reliable Victor.

The four bounce off of one another and have great chemistry, with both the bickering and humour feeling natural and unforced.

The comical French maid Louise (Josephine Rattigan), who appears in the second half, brings a hilarious lightness to the play whenever she is on stage. The use of modern music is also fun, with Daft Punk playing in your head all week. 

A brilliantly comical play, with some unsettling undertones. The team at OVO have managed to bring together a whole lot of fun with the darker side of human emotion, presented by a stellar cast, in a glorious setting. 

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Cara Brazier

Private Lives plays at OVO Roman Theatre in St Albans until 19 August, with further information here: https://ovo.org.uk/big-shows/private-lives/