Relative Values

ALISON CROOSE

Princess Theatre, Hunstanton

In a world of ubiquitous political correctness a comedy of manners has a quaint charm.

Noel Coward believed social equality was a fallacy and used his plays to illustrate the conventions of the class system - such as Relative Values in which the aristocracy clashes head-on with the working class.

The play presented the Princess Theatre Club with a serious challenge to prove its mettle in its 21st year - and the result was an excellent evening's entertainment.

The company continued its mission to “keep live theatre alive” with their performance of the work of the master playwright. Director David Wright captured the essence of Coward's words, the nuances of which were especially well delivered by the pivotal characters, the Countess of Marshwood (Jenny Willis) and Crestwell (Noel Mellish).

Jenny Willis handled her substantial role with confidence and empathy, while Noel Mellish delivered philosophical words of wisdom to great comic effect.

A suitably baronial set provided a fine backdrop for a story full of unexpected twists and turns with the portrayals of Sharon Yates (Moxie), Tobias Nicholls (the Hon Peter Ingleton), James Willis (Earl of Marshwood), Elaine Verweymeren (Miranda Frayle) and John Giller (Don Lucas) enhancing the performance.