Relative Values

 

Review by Paul Towers, 30/9/24

Relative Values by Noel Coward

Directed by John Bale

Produced by Leicester Drama Society (LDS)

At The Little Theatre til Saturday 5th October 2024

Noel Coward’s first drawing room comedy after the war is a satire of snobbery.

Set just after World War 2 in Marshwood House, Kent, Relative Values is about the drama that ensues when Nigel, Earl of Marshwood (Tom Young) announces that he is engaged, yet again, to a Hollywood star, Miranda Frayle (Nikki Favell). In the natural order of things this will mean that Felicity, Countess of Marshwood (Jane Durant channelling a marvellous cross between Sybil Fawlty and the Dowager Countess of Grantham) will move out to a cottage in the grounds along with her long-time maid Moxie (Alex Elliot). Moxie is determined that when the Master marries Miranda she will be forced to move away, much to the consternation of Her Ladyship. Further cats are put amongst the pigeons when Miranda’s ex-boyfriend Don Lucas (Keir Watson) turns up to try and woo her back.

Central to so much of the narrative are butler Crestwell (Steve Elliot) and the maid Alice (Olivia Phillips giving an almost Mrs Overall).

On the sidelines is Felicity’s nephew, Peter (a quite camp Allan Smith) along with neighbours Sir John Hayling (Andrew Webster) and Cynthia Hayling (Mary Delahunty)

Director John Bale has directed this classy comedy from The Master with aplomb. The set by Phil Newman is suitably opulent.

Relative Values runs at The Little Theatre until Saturday 5th October

Pics – Dave Morris Photography

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