Review: FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS, Orange Tree Theatre, 4 July 2016

Terence Rattigan's charming, lighthearted and rarely revived play is brought to sparkling life in Paul Miller's excellently directed production, receiving an encore Orange Tree run ahead of a national tour. The 1936 work revolves around a group of young men attempting to learn French, among other topics, for their diplomatic exam, but complications in the form of a young woman called Diana mean that they sometimes get behind in their learning.

It's not a play in which very much happens, rather it's more about the various interactions between the characters and ensuring Rattigan's sense of comedy comes through effectively - which Miller certainly achieves, down in part to strong performances from all of the cast.

Central to making this production work is Florence Roberts as Diana Lake, whose manipulative but irresistible manner has many of the men running after her - leading to some hilarious moments, such as when she charms the dashing if uptight Commander Rogers (Tim Delap) and then tries to repeat the feat with aspiring novelist Alan (Ziggy Heath). Roberts's performance is sparky, feisty and completely mesmerising to watch. Her chemistry with Heath is spot on, as they try to outwit one another while exploring how they really feel - a true battle of the sexes!

There are also strong performances from Beatriz Romilly as the sweet and more amenable Jacqueline and David Whitworth as Monsieur Maingot, whose stern presence reins in the other men's behaviour.

The production is sharp and mainly straight to the point, although the opening moments lack energy and it takes time for the story to really get going. Miller's version also reveals the superficiality and vanity of the characters, meaning that it can be hard to take any of them seriously.

All of the action is set in one place and there's an intimacy to the presentation, ensuring that the audience feels involved at all times, particularly during a scene after the ball when Commander Rogers, Kit and Alan are all discussing Diana and women - probably one of the more poignant moments in the show.

It can also be a subtle piece, with an undercurrent of tension and jealousy between Kit and Commander Rogers bubbling under the surface as they compete for Diana's affections - until it suddenly explodes comically when they realise exactly what's been going on.

While it's a play without much real depth, this production is a sparky, entertaining way to spend a couple of hours.

French Without Tears is a co-production with English Touring Theatre and runs at the Orange Tree Theatre until 30 July, before heading off on a UK tour from September

Photo credit: The Other Richard

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