LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES. To 21 July.
Newcastle-under-Lyme
LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES
by Christopher Hampton.
New Vic Theatre To 21 July 2007
Mon-Sat 7.30pm Mat 21 July 2.30pm no performance 11, 16 July
Audio-described 18 July
Captioned 17 July
Post-show discussion 17 July
Runs: 2hr 45min One interval
TICKETS: 01782 717962
www.newvictheatre.org.uk
Review: Ranjit Khutan 2 July 2007
Sex, seduction and swordfights – in spectacular period costumes.
Lucy Pitman-Wallace's New Vic production opens with all cast members on stage, like an old painting. The players’ glances hint at the story that is about to unfold in Chrstopher Hampton’s well-crafted and clever play.
Love, revenge, seduction, betrayal and cruelty feature as the central themes in a complex plot that revolves around two protagonists – Marquise de Merteuil, the insatiable man eater; and Vicomte de Valmont, the heartless rogue. They play with the lives, minds and hearts of people around them – cleverly manipulating them, and situations, to their enjoyment. The threads of the plots unravel to their initial satisfaction, but this is soon replaced by jealousy when the cynical and calculating characters become entangled by their own doing, turning this into a dangerous game that has only one possible resolution.
Valmont is played with strength and confidence by Hywell Simons. The forced sex scene is uncomfortable to watch, but Simons maintains his composure throughout and immediately moves from this to a light hearted scene with ease. His partner in crime, Merteuil, is played by the beautiful, talented Clare Swinbourne. Swinbourne plays de Merteuil as an immodest, dominating authoritarian.
This is a visually beautiful play in which stunning period costumes (by the New Vic costume department) are complemented by Jess Curtis’s warm and adaptable set design. Under Pitman-Wallace’s skilful direction, the play is provided with a smooth and consistent flow that enables the development of the plot to be followed with ease. Particular noteworthy is Terry King's well-planned and executed fight scene in which the actors skilfully perform a convincing duel – complete with very realistic effects.
Christopher Hampton’s Les Liaisons Dangereuses examines a battle between the sexes; at times it is funny, at others it is gritty and disturbing – but well worth seeing.
Cecile Volanges: Ellie Beaven
Mme de Volanges: Jo Cowen
La Presidente de Tourvel: Leila Crerar
Le Chevalier Danceny: Christopher Daley
Azolan: Tom Kanji
Mme de Rosemonde: Ann Penfold
Emilie: Hayley Jayne Standing
Le Vicomte de Valmont: Hywell Simons
La Marquise de Merteuil: Clare Swinbourne
Footman / Danceny’s Second: Joseph Mellor
Footman: Matthew Bowers / Sam Parry
Director: Lucy Pitman-Wallace
Designer: Jess Curtis
Lighting: Daniella Beattie
Sound: James Earls-Davis
Movement: Sue Nash
Costumes: New Vic Costume Department
Fight director: Terry King
2007-07-09 22:37:10