Review: PRIVATE LIVES, Theatre Royal, Glasgow, February 22 2016

First staged in 1930, Private Lives is a three-act play focusing on a divorced couple and their new spouses. After separating five years previously, Elyot and Amanda run into each other while on honeymoon with their new partners. After arguing with their spouses, the divorced pair decide that they are meant for each other and flee to Paris together. It doesn't take long for the cracks to appear in their relationship and their current husband and wife turn up, adding further tension.

I didn't really warm to the play as I found most of the characters insufferable. All parts are very well acted but the writing makes them very unlikeable. The fine line between love and hate was played out in an interesting fashion. I can see the point Noel Coward was trying to make but can't seem to crack a smile over "comical domestic violence". I don't think the line "Certain women should be struck regularly, like gongs" went down as well in 2016 as it might have in 1930.

There are only really two sets, the hotel balcony and the interior of Amanda's flat but both are designed beautifully as are the costumes. The theatre was packed and there were plenty of audience members laughing throughout but it just did not appeal to my sense of humour.

Private Lives runs at the Theatre Royal until February 27th.