Star Quality

A late Noel Coward and a seldom performed one should have given us warning that this was perhaps not his best work. Not that it didn’t contain some blisteringly good lines, the master at his best. The trouble is that this slightest of tales is really an indulgent and introspective look at the man as writer, director and player. No matter who you are looking at or listening to, it is always Coward expressing his feelings for those three, sometimes conflicting, roles.

This production does its best and it would be unfair to say that the evening is anything less than entertaining with some rather engaging performances given with delicious period authenticity. Sadly though it does not work and for one reason; Liza Goddard, who gives a fine performance but is simply too sympathetic, too nice and nowhere near bitchy enough. I for one found all of her machinations to remain a ‘Star’ pretty acceptable, not nice maybe but understandable, and because of that the actions of the rest of the cast seem rather out of step. Despite this it was a fascinating evening with some excellent performances.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 21 February 2012

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