Review: THE WAY OF THE WORLD, Donmar Warehouse

William Congreve's restoration classic originally premiered in 1700, and even though it bombed back then, nowadays it is adored for its bonkers farce and balletic lyricism. The story may be long; the play lasts three hours in total and as an audience your patience will be tested. But stick with it: the overall pay-off will certainly be worth it.

Restoration plays seem to be the popular thing to do right now; The Country Wife is playing at Southwark Playhouse and The Fantastic Follies of Mr Rich opened recently at the RSC. The Way of the World is a classic in British theatre, but quite a problematic one.

The piece itself is really hard to follow and there are so many different subplots that throw up numerous loopholes to actively keep you on your toes. It could easily become disengaging, but the outrageous costumes and overtly stylised performances make you enjoy it so much.

The actors have their work cut out to keep the piece entertaining. Riding high from the wondrous success of Beginning, Justine Mitchell impresses as Millamant. She's self-assured, stylish and Mitchell's flippant mannerisms mixed with her warm presence provide a certain glow.

Despite the over-the-top quality of it all, James Macdonald's production allows the characters to be authentically seen. Cockiness conceals coyness and pride is a mask for a person's pensiveness. Sheer humanity is effectively shown and it demonstrates that despite the glitz these people are real, and possess genuine problems.

It's definitely difficult to follow but I would advise anyone seeing this to just relax into the fact that you may not understand, and instead simply revel in its marvel. Designer Anna Fleischle has given you so much to be wowed by, so enjoy the colour, glamour and luxury of it all.

It's a lovely treat.

The Way of the World at The Donmar Warehouse until 26 May

Photo credit: Johan Persson

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