VOLCANO (Bill Kenwright Productions)
Believed to be based on the Bond writer, Ian Flemming’s
martial transgressions, Volcano is one of Noel Coward’s lesser know plays,
mostly due to the scandalous content, which censors of the time would have
struggled with approving for public consumption. Nowadays, however, the issue
of infidelity and broken relationships is all too frequently plastered over
glossy magazine covers in a desperate attempt to increase readership and
satisfy the need of some to revel in other’s trials and tribulations.
Set on the fictional Pacific island of Samolo, Simon
Scullion’s set design beautifully replicates the Colonial home of Adela Shelley,
subtly portrayed by the iconic Jenny Seagrove. This idyll is often frequented
by playboy, ‘Guido’ Littleton, suavely played by Jason Durr, whose desperate
attempts to sleep with Adela are thwarted by her at every turn. Emotions run
high with the imminent arrival of Guido’s long-suffering wife, Melissa, played
by Dawn Steele, who perfectly explores the vulnerability of this poor lady that
exists with the tour-de-force façade. Focused on the affair of which she
suspects her husband to be embroiled, she fails to notice the blossoming
romance developing with Perdita Avery’s beautiful Ellen Danbury, who’s vocal
performance is a wonderful homage to Coward and superbly matched by her awkward
husband, Keith, played by Tim Daish. The arising conflicts are mimicked in
nature with volcanic disturbance and despite the optimistic attempts of kindly
neighbours, Grizelda and Robin, adoringly characterised by Finty Williams and
Robin Sebastian, things come to a head as the volcano erupts.
This is a gentle play that doesn’t really get going until
the second act. Roy Marsden’s direction is a joy to watch as he cleverly
changes the audience’s visual perspective through simple, yet effective staging
(and up-staging) and creates lovely tableaux throughout the story. Mike
Robertson’s lighting and, the appropriately named, Matthew Bugg’s sound evoked
the ideal ambience and backdrop. This play has some classic, cutting Coward
quips and gives insight into another side of this iconic writer. Volcano runs
until Saturday.
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