| “Triumphant Directorial Debut for Chesley Gillard” |
At the Torch |
| Private Lives- Critical Round-up , Torch Theatre , December 7, 2023 |
[A guide to the sequence "At the Torch" can be seen at the first link below.]Chelsey Gillard made her directorial debut as Artistic Director of the Torch Theatre with an unexpected choice of dramatist. It was Noel Coward but with a difference. Wales Arts Review was there: “This production of Private Lives brings all these conflicting elements to the fore, without needing to alter a word from Coward’s pen or having to relocate it to an ‘edgy’ contemporary setting, because the superficial, pretentious affectations of its characters IS the ‘edge’. This is the upper class world of the British Empire between the two wars, where sophistication and sadism, decorum and decadence were two sides of the same coin, and Elyot and Amanda embody the privileged hedonism and narcissism of Waugh’s bright young things. “The contemporary element of this production comes from being free from the constraints of the period Private Lives was written in and set...The show is also surprisingly dark, as the riotous second act descends into bitchy bon mots, physical conflict (the show’s content warning is not unearned), copious slugs of brandy, and a kind of unpeeling of the layers of Elyot and Amanda’s toxic mutual infatuation “Francois Pandolfo steals the show in these abrasive yet cartoonish scenes with a mixture of Dirk Bogarde-esque, archer-than-a-flying-buttress camp and nostril-flaring sarcasm, mock-macho flailing and quickfire sparring...Private Lives is a triumphant directorial debut for the Torch Theatre Company’s Chesley Gillard and another impressive production feat for the cast and crew of the Torch.” Quoted, with acknowledgement and thanks, from the full review which can be read at: https://www.walesartsreview.org/private-lives-torch-theatre/ * * * * The home-grown reviewers for the Torch Theatre were there: “Praise and plaudits are hereby endowed upon this exquisite and peerless Private Lives production... “...superlatives merit repeating, so here we go.... fabulous, glorious, excellent. Sparkling effervescence is not only evident but has been released like a popping champagne cork after a vigorous shake! “The cut glass delivery and the sharply observed characters enthralled once more. The casting has proved inspired, with Francois Pandolfo's Elyot, Claire Cage's Amanda, Jude Deeno's Victor, Paisley Jackson's Sybil, Marcela Ayala Ramirez's Louise absolutely spot on. The audience were captured, quite enraptured and the laughter uproarious.” "This certainly owes a great deal to the direction and input by Chelsey Gillard, Artistic Director of the Torch Theatre...The costumes are superb and glamorous, perfect for each character and fashions beautifully chosen to reflect the era of the play. "The music and the sound effects are also particularly evocative of the period and the locations. The sets are a much-anticipated revelation, too. Not only do they accurately reflect the beauty of art deco architecture and interior designs, but they enhance the situations, the action and the story beautifully. So sophisticated and stylish." Quoted, with acknowledgement and thanks, from the full review which can be read at: https://www.torchtheatre.co.uk/news/private-lives-review-val-ruloff/ * * * * Another new reviewer for the theatre: “If you're looking for a night of flawless, sensational, saucy and divine entertainment, then look no further than the Torch Theatre's production of Noël Coward's Private Lives directed by Chelsey Gillard. Gillard's directorial debut at the Torch Theatre is nothing short of amazing, flawlessly blending witty physical humour with Coward's iconic satirical words. “...the chemistry between the two lead actors, portraying Amanda and Elyot, is particularly impressive, and their witty banter and repartee are a joy to watch...Claire Cage is Amanda, potentially one of my favourite female roles in theatre. Androgynous, comedically immoral, and panther-like. Cage’s interpretation has flair with an air of finesse and sophistication. sublimely good, faultlessly funny, quick to ignite and utterly committed. “Her best moments are the later scenes where Amanda and Elyot (François Pandolfo) ricochet off each other. They have a blinding spark together and, although in a deeply unhealthy relationship, are engaging to watch. François Pandolfo plays the suave eccentric British gentleman spot-on, confident in this controversial role: unreliably mischievous, with such a flamboyant flavour! “...The lavish sets and elegant costumes designed by Kevin Jenkins truly transport to the decadent era of the 1930s. From the opulent furnishings of the Parisian hotel suite Balconies to the stunning lavish Paris apartment, every detail is perfectly crafted to create a truly immersive experience. “...Director Chelsey Gillard warrants a standing ovation for her treatment of the material. Her direction is crisp and concise but allows the energy to flow. It helps having such a cast of this quality but she should be proud of this play. Gillard chooses to confront the ugliness at the heart of this brittle comedy rather than shying away from it. The result is an extraordinarily powerful examination of a relationship that has turned sour and is played out with mesmerising intensity. Quoted, with acknowledgement and thanks, from the full review which can be read at: https://www.torchtheatre.co.uk/news/private-lives-a-rave-review/ |
Reviewed by: Adam Somerset |
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