Private Lives

Private Lives, written by Noël Coward and first performed by him in 1930, when he was at the height of his popularity, is a popular play for community theatre groups. Presented anew by Hobart Repertory Theatre Society, and directed with precision by Patricia Kempa, this old play can still draw a crowd.

The young cast is suited to the ages that Coward had intended the principals to be. The idea of two lovers, now divorced, being at the same honeymoon venue, with new spouses, was a fanciful notion, and quite shocking for the time. Amanda and Elyot are divorced, a couple who can’t live with each, but can’t live without each other. Kath Uziallo captured the fragility hidden under the brittle exterior of Amanda, while Trevor Gallagher played the urbane, sophisticated Elyot so convincingly that one often wanted to throw a silk cushion at him. Ellen Roe as Sybil and Christian Street as pompous but shy Victor Prynne complemented each other and their spouses, the still love struck Elyot and Amanda. Bonnie Fletcher as Louise the maid convincingly conveyed disapproval of the couples’ shenanigans.

Patricia Kempa instils her love of language into the cast, who respond with good performances and excellent diction. The magic of language is the secret of this stylized comedy of manners with its fast-paced, arch, almost acerbic dialogue. The language could have been dated, with many uses of the word gay, which now of course has a completely different meaning.

Timing was spot-on, and the choreographed argument-almost-verging-on-violence was well executed. Costumes by Kathryn Direen were lovely. The sets, a balcony at the hotel and Amanda’s Paris flat were designed by Peter Kempa. The interior of the flat was almost another cast member. Jolly good show, what!

Merlene Abbott 

Photographer: John King Smith.