Trevor Nunn Revives Noël Coward's Early Divorce Dramedy with High Style at Cambridge Arts Theatre
Marital uncoupling may no longer carry the social stigma it did in the 1920s, but in Trevor Nunn's sumptuous new production of Easy Virtue at the Arts Theatre in Cambridge, the timeless pathos and sharp-witted barbs of Noël Coward's early work shine brightly. This revival, running until 7 March, offers audiences a luxurious glimpse into a world of verbal fencing and simmering fury that catapulted the 25-year-old Coward to stardom.
A Sumptuous Setting and Stellar Performances
Simon Higlett's opulent drawing-room set, complete with a marble staircase for dramatic entrances and doleful exits, sets the stage perfectly. Accompanied by exquisite 1920s outfits and some of the best finger waves seen outside Strictly Come Dancing's Charleston week, the production immerses viewers in the era's glamour. Greta Scacchi delivers a positively boggling performance as the horrified matriarch who discovers her son has married a divorcee, capturing the shock and disdain of a bygone social more.
Alice Orr-Ewing's Larita, the divorcee at the heart of the drama, arrives with the cool self-possession of a female aviator—sunglasses propped on her head, scarf trailing—and drops her bag in a gesture that is half curtsey, half statement of intent. Stifled by country life and patronised by smug in-laws, Larita emerges as a modern heroine, reminiscent of a retooled Bolter from Nancy Mitford's novels transformed into an Ibsen protagonist. Her declaration, "My life is my own," resonates with fierce independence.
Psychological Honesty and Timeless Pathos
While the comedy rooted in the social awkwardness of divorce may not land as strongly today, the psychological honesty and pathos in Coward's writing remain utterly timeless. The play's repartee serves not only to pierce hypocrisy and cant but also as a cover for deep-seated heartbreak and loneliness. Larita's admission, "Women of my type are so tiresome in love. We hammer at it, tooth and nail, until it's all bent and misshapen," echoes the emotional depth seen later in Coward's Private Lives, written five years after this early work.
Nunn's production ensures that Coward's scorching emotional insight is already ablaze here, with a magnificent centrepiece monologue that erupts from the sniping and passive aggression. The large cast is well-rounded, featuring an understated Michael Praed as a surprisingly liberal father-in-law and a thoughtful ex-girlfriend who helps explore the play's themes on the "hideously intimate relationship" of marriage.
A Must-See Revival for Theatre Enthusiasts
This revival of Easy Virtue is a testament to Coward's enduring legacy and Nunn's directorial prowess. It blends lavish aesthetics with profound emotional resonance, making it a compelling watch for both longtime fans and newcomers to Coward's oeuvre. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a piece of theatrical history brought to life with high style and heartfelt performance at the Arts Theatre in Cambridge.
