Relative Values by Noel Coward at the Little Theatre in Leicester

 Alas, it was the final performance when I saw the play last night, so this blog post won't be of any use in plugging any future performance, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

It's fair to say, I think, that Noel Coward hasn't been fashionable in recent decades, but there comes a point where suffiiuent time has passed such that "dated" becomes "period". Such is the case with thisfairly late Noel Coward comedy on the little nuances of social class from 1951. It an enormously entertaining and very funny play, with wit reminiscent of Oscar Wilde, but also a fascinating glimpse into attitudes from the middle of the laast century, a time that suddenly feel a lot more distant than it did a couple of decades ago.,

The cast, of course, were superb, utterly inhabiting their parts while letting the wit shine through. The set desigh was also excellent, the entire play taking part within the confines of a single room.

Alas, I cannot plug this play. But, for those who live locally, I can certainly plug the venue. This is the third play I've seen there now, all of which were brilliant.

Shakespeare in Love by Tom Stoppard at the Little Theatre in Leicester

 “She has been plucked since I saw her last- and not by you.”

I saw this last night, the second play I’ve seen at this splendid establishments, whose players may be amateurs but are no less talented. The stage dressing, choreography and movements are intricate and uniformly excellent. There is a lot of physically demanding acting here, all pulled off with aplomb.

I haven’t seen the film, alas, yet, although enjoying this play so much means that the moment is doubtless soon at hand. But the script is superb. I mean, I’m sort of a massive Shakespeare and Marlowe geek. I know damn well whom the likes of Philip Henslowe and Ned Alleyne are. I appreciate the clever twist that Kit Marlowe’s death is not some kind of conspiracy here, but genuinely just an argument about the bill for a meal. Then there’s the clever metatextuality with how Will and Viola’s relationship echoes the play being written.

Despite the wit, though, the decision to have Viola irreversibly marry the baddie is devastating. Worse, they’re both immediately off to Virginia. In 1593: just Google “Croatoan” if you don’t get what I’m referring to. Certain, desperate death awaits. And yet… her and Will’s love burns bright. It would not have lasted, Will being an unhappily married father of indifferent quality.

This production, though, is worthy of a Shakespeare comedy and is utterly first class. The cast- dog included- are uniformly superb. Alas, the play’s run has now ended, but at least I got to see it. It was magnificent.