Love's dizzying spin at Royal Exchange

Noël Coward's "Private Lives" is brought to life in a dizzying revival at the Royal Exchange theatre, directed by Blanche McIntyre. The production utilizes an in-the-round staging with a revolving set that gradually accelerates, mirroring the volatile relationship of its central characters, Amanda and Elyot. This visual metaphor effectively captures the play's exploration of destructive desire and spite.

The first act unfolds in a sleek, minimalist French resort, featuring witty dialogue and the rekindling of Amanda and Elyot's romance as they abandon their new spouses. However, the setting shifts to Amanda's cluttered apartment, where the renewed passion begins to sour. Jill Halfpenny delivers a poised performance as Amanda, complemented by Steve John Shepherd's dry humor as Elyot. Their chemistry is palpable as they exchange sharp put-downs, though the production retains a sense of restraint in its more intense moments.

As the abandoned spouses, Daniel Millar's Victor and Shazia Nicholls's Sibyl provide a solid counterpoint to the protagonists. Sara Lessore also makes an impression as the maid Louise, underscoring the privileged nature of her employers' games. Ultimately, the production frames Amanda and Elyot's relationship as a sophisticated, capricious game between players, rather than an irresistible, dangerous passion, despite the energetic staging.