Relative Values – Harold Pinter Theatre until June 21st
Continuing my resolve to see things other than musicals, I jumped at the chance to see Relatives Values when my friend suggested going, not only because I love Noel Coward but also because I was excited by the cast.
Playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton Street (just off Leicester Square) for a strictly limited run until 21st June.
Performances are 7.30pm each evening except Sunday and Monday.Matinees 2.30pm Thursday and Saturday.
Nearest tube Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus or Charring Cross
Best bus from Victoria Train Station, Number 24 or 38 to Leicester Square.
Directed by multi award winner Trevor Nunn this production opened last year at the Theatre Royal Bath. It transferred to the West End with much of the original cast Patricia Hodge (A little Night Music Hustle), Caroline Quentin (Oh what a lovely war), Steven Pacey (By Jeeves, Spamalot), and Rory Bremner who was making his West End debut but his role has recently been taken over by Neil Morrissey (Acorn Antiques, Guys and Dolls. The other addition to the West End cast was Leigh Zimmerman (A Chorus Line).
Set in 1951, The Countess of Marchwood, is the Matriarch of the family and when her son the Earl announces his engagement to actress Miranda Frayle it sends the household into shock. The Staff, Crestwell the butlerremains calm and stoic whereas the Housekeeper Moxieis distraught for reasons that soon become clear.
The comedy focuses around the differences in class. Noel Coward is remarkably perceptive and the play has matured well with age, there are projections broadcast during the scene changes which are a very clever way to bring the 1950s into perspective.
It is beautifully directed by Trevor Nunn. Patricia Hodge was made for the elegant role of Lady Marchwood, I thought the scene where she was chastising ‘Miranda’ hilarious – her TV character ‘Penny’ came out just a little. Caroline Quentin is hilarious as the dutiful yet troubled Moxie. Leigh Zimmerman is just stunning and so convincing you want to slap her on sight (just kidding). When I saw the play Rory Bremner was playing the role of Crestwell however I would LOVE to see a reuniting of Neil Morrissey and Caroline Quentin (Men Behaving Badly), it might just be an excuse to go again.
I would recommend this production to anyone wanting an easy, enjoyable time at the theatre. It is funny, captivating, yet poses the question have attitudes to class altered at all since 1951? classic Noel Coward.
Video
What’s On Stage Q&A with Rory Bremner, Patricia Hodge and Leigh Zimmerman – yes I was there!
Cast
| Crestwell, the butler | Neil Morrissey | Not on twitter NeilMorrisseyUK is a fake. |
| Dora Moxton | Caroline Quentin | @quentyquestions |
| Felicity, Countess of Marchwood | Patricia Hodge | |
| The Honourable Peter Ingleton, Felicity’s Nephew | Steven Pacey | |
| Miranda Frayle | Leigh Zimmerman | @leighz123 |
| Alice, The Housemaid | Rebecca Birch | @BirchR |
| Lady Cynthia Hayling | Amanda Boxer | |
| Admiral Sir John Hayling | Timothy Knightley | |
| Nigel, Earl of Marshwood | Sam Hoare | @mrsamhoare |
| Don Lucas | Ben Mansfield |
| Director | Trevor Nunn | |
| Associate Director | Michael Oakley | |
| Designer | Stephen Brimstone Lewis | |
| Lighting Designer | Tim Mitchell | |
| Sound Designer | Fergus O’Hare | |
| Projection Designer | Andrzej Goulding | |
| Music Consultant | Steven Edis |
Neill Morrissey is NOT on Twitter
Don’t take my word for it here is what other people said:
**** West End Frame
**** Charles Spencer – The Telegraph
*** Michael Billington – The Guardian
*** Fiona Mountford – The Standard
** Time Out
To find our what people are saying on twitter: Tweets about “#relativevalues”
https://twitter.com/ianhawking1/status/467794308092149760
I saw #relativevalues at @HPinterTheatre last night. The cast were amazing. I haven't laughed so much in ages. #comedy #theatre #London
— Ciara McCarthy mua (@treacle115) May 13, 2014
Gallery
Tickets
Tickets Range from £20 to £85 and currently are readily available.
There may be some ticket deals available
Do you still think there is class snobbery? Leave a comment below, if you have more media or links you would like me to add then please email me at [email protected] and I shall be happy to put them in.
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