A sparkling revival of Noël Coward's champagne-fuelled comedy Fallen Angels has opened at London's renowned Menier Chocolate Factory, proving that some vintage delights only improve with age. The production, directed by Paul Foster, injects fresh energy into Coward's 1925 play about two society wives awaiting the arrival of a former lover.
A Battle of Wit and Jealousy
The plot centres on Julia Sterroll and Jane Banbury, played with impeccable comic timing by Hattie Ladbury and Sara Crowe. The duo's seemingly perfect lives in a stylish Chelsea flat are upended when they both receive identical telegrams from Maurice Duclos, a dashing Frenchman with whom they each had a passionate affair before their marriages. With their husbands away on a golfing trip, the stage is set for a hilarious battle of simmering jealousy and competitive nostalgia.
The brilliance of the production lies in its understanding of Coward's sharp, subversive wit. Far from a mere period piece, the play cleverly explores female friendship, societal expectations, and the thrilling danger of temptation. The set design, a chic art deco apartment, perfectly encapsulates the characters' privileged world, which is about to be deliciously disrupted.
Standout Performances and Comic Mastery
Hattie Ladbury brings a wonderfully arch and slightly more controlled energy to Julia, while Sara Crowe's Jane is a masterclass in flustered, expressive comedy. Their chemistry is palpable, shifting seamlessly from conspiratorial best friends to bitter rivals as the anticipation—and the alcohol—flows. The arrival of Nicolas Le Prevost as the unflappable, long-suffering butler Saunders provides a steady stream of dry, scene-stealing humour.
The production builds expertly to the much-anticipated arrival of the suave Maurice, a moment handled with great comic effect. The ensuing chaos, fuelled by copious amounts of champagne and a climactic piano duet, is orchestrated with precision by director Paul Foster. The farcical elements are heightened but never overwhelm the play's core of genuine emotion and witty observation.
A Triumph for the Menier
This revival confirms the Menier Chocolate Factory's status as a leading venue for intelligent, revitalised productions of classic works. By embracing the play's inherent modernity—its frank discussion of female desire and its critique of marital boredom—the production feels both authentic to its era and strikingly relevant. The limited run, which began previews on 28 November 2025 and opened on 4 December, is set to be a hot ticket for London theatregoers seeking sophisticated entertainment.
Ultimately, this Fallen Angels is a triumph. It delivers everything one hopes for from Coward: razor-sharp dialogue, exquisite comic performances, and a delightful sense of mischief. It serves as a potent reminder that beneath the glittering surface of polite society, passions run deep and chaos is always just one telegram away.
