Love and Chaos Collide in Noel Coward’s Timeless Comedy

Review by Hilary Dawes

Directed by Tanuja Amarasuriya, Noel Coward’s classic play Private Lives is a sparkling comedy of manners, set against a backdrop of 1930s glamour, and filled with razor-sharp wit, sizzling chemistry and timeless sophistication.

Elyot and his new young wife Sibyl are on honeymoon on the French Riviera.  As they sip cocktails on their hotel balcony, Sibyl cannot help but question Elyot about previous relationships, particularly the one with his ex-wife Amanda.  He tires of her questions and in spite of his declarations of undying love for Sibyl, her insecurity and uncertainty of Elyot become apparent.   Also, unbeknownst to them, the couple on honeymoon in the room next door is Amanda and her new husband Victor.

Elyot and Amanda find themselves alone on their respective balconies and recognition dawns as they each begin humming a familiar tune.   Soon old flames re-ignite and their previous impulsive love takes hold.   They decide to leave their respective spouses and run away together to Paris, but after a few days back together, they are soon caught up in the same violent arguments that originally plagued their stormy marriage and their ardent  romance soon spirals into a chaotic riot of passionate desire, slanging matches and outrageous battles.  

There were standout performances from all cast members, with Chirag Benedict Lobo portraying the mercurial and caddish Elyot with remarkable energy and Pepter Lunkuse, perfect as the feisty and petulant Amanda, whilst Sade Malone and Ashley Gerlach gave sympathetic portrayals as their cruelly deceived partners, Sibyl and Victor.   Last but not least, Louise the maid was cleverly played with a deft comic touch by Jodie Cuaresma.

With stunning Art Deco sets and gorgeous authentic costumes, set and costume designer Amy Jane Cook is to be commended, along with every member of the creative and production team. 

Come and indulge in a little 1930s glamour at the Octagon – Private Lives runs from 4 - 27 September 2025.

From £15

Age 14+

Duration approximately 2 hours (including interval)

Content to consider - Sexual references, hand-to-hand violence and themes of domestic abuse.

Visit: https://octagonbolton.co.uk/events/private-lives#dates-and-times

Octagon Theatre Howell Croft South, Bolton BL1 1SB