By Noel Coward

NODA Review by Allan Mears

Noel Coward is without doubt one of the most difficult playwrights to perform and direct. As is customary at Concept Theatre, the set design was a first class setting for the Director to show off both his production and his cast.

Sophie Hughes – Sorel Bliss – was the epitome of an upper- class socialite but encompassed the spoilt, self-centred, immature nature of the character. Richard Axtell – Simon Bliss – the impatient son, outraged at everything and everyone captured the spoilt nature of the character with ease. Good delivery of dialogue and a strong performance. Paul Buckle – Maurice – was nicely pitched, stayed in character throughout and was both watchable and likeable. Good performance. Ellie Hoare – Judith Bliss – the matriarch of the family gave a well executed performance as the faded actress desperate to be remembered for her past glories. This experienced actress gave a solid performance capturing the right levels of humour. Laurence Clarke – David Bliss - delivered the script with the right snap, crackle and pop, giving us a feeling of security amidst all the confusion and going on’s. Very solid performance. Mark Sadler – Richard Greatham - captured the character beautifully, showing lots of different emotions. A well worked on and rounded performance. Ben Mussell – Sandy Tyrell - demonstrated a good balance between strength and vulnerability of  the character to their full effect. Strong performance. Rhiannon Rose-Goodsir – Myra Arundel – portrayed the confidence, the independence, the assuredness and the very outspoken nature of the character with such panache and style and her delivery of sarcastic asides were excellent. Julie Axtell – Jackie Coryton – captured the character of ‘Jackie’ beautifully, lots of different emotions perfectly captured.

The set was beautifully dressed, Costumes we’re in keeping with the piece.

 Congratulations all at Concept Theatre.