The Way Of The World

William Congreve’s baroque comedy of manners The Way of the World is brought to life in a visual feast at Garrick Theatre under the stewardship of nominally retired professional director Raymond Omodei.

This lavishly costumed production looks amazing, with beautiful 1700s costumes by Marjorie de Caux and gorgeous wigs, supplied by Liddy Reynolds and maintained by Lynda Stubbs. Set and lighting designer Jake Newby’s subtle and muted set with almost skeletal furnishing allows the costuming to shine.

A logistical challenge of a show, cramming up to 13 of the cast of 14 on to the stage at once - many wearing panniers. The language is slightly alien to modern ears, and occasionally the dialogue is a little too quickly delivered, making following the plot slightly challenging.

A hard working cast show and obvious passion and dedication. Rhett Clarke plays the major role of Mirabell with wit and presence. He is keen to marry beautiful heiress Millamant (an admirable and elegant performance by Siobhan Vincent), but is disliked by her guardian Lady Wishfort - a beautiful characterisation by an indomitable Kerry Goode. 

Kael McGechan is a dark manipulator as Fainall, frenemy of Mirabell. Sherryl Spencer is outstanding as Mrs Marwood, pulling lots of strings. Sarah House brings light to Mrs Fainall, not as innocent as she appears. Dominic Masterton is charming as foppish Witwood, nicely paired with the impressive Jonathon Hoey, who, as Petulant, bears a stunning resemblance to drag queen Violet Chachki, and is as gorgeously attired and twice as camp. Keith Scrivens plays the compulsory drunken and embarrassing relative - Sir Wilful Witwood.

Scheming servant Foible is nicely portrayed by Elizabeth Offer, working well with Tim Presant, who capably portrays Waitwell and alter ego Sir Rowland, and Laura Goodlet pulls double duty playing barmaid Betty and Ladies’ maid Mincing. The only characters lacking Machiavellian intent are Natalia Smith’s sweetly portrayed, put-upon Peg and Leo Rimmer’s quartet of serving boys - all well presented.

A must-see for lovers of a good costume drama, students of theatre and those who love a complex web of manipulation.

Kimberley Shaw