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This production of Noel Coward’s less well known play, The Marquise, has proven it to be a little gem. Set in a French chateau during the eighteenth century, it is a comedy about romantic entanglements and misunderstandings, complete with old secrets, impulsive young lovers, complicated and conniving plots and a mysterious priest. The Compte Raoul de Vriaac, played by Denis Lill, is a pious but miserable old widower, who has betrothed his only daughter to the only son of his best friend, the fun loving and cheeky Esteban, El Duco de Santaguano, played by Michael Jayston. Both actors make the most of their parts. Denis Lill manages to imbue Raoul with the distinction of a wealthy aristocrat but he has sallow, sour world weariness, which we learn has been instilled in him by his late wife. Michael Jayston meanwhile is the perfect mischievous rogue who exudes a wonderful joie de vivre.
The play opens during a dinner at the Compte’s chateau, to celebrate the engagement of Adrienne, played here by understudy Marianne Adams, to Miguel, played by Ben Warwick. It quickly unfolds that the attractive and vivacious Adrienne does not wish to marry Miguel because she is already in love with her father’s secretary, the very earnest Jacques Rijar, played by Paul Fox. Unfortunately for them the social conventions of the day and the fear of her father’s wrath make the liaison impossible. Miguel however is also in love with another lady, an actress who is also beneath his social standing. Adrienne and Miguel therefore make a pact not to marry, but instead to help each other. A dark and sinister force pervades the atmosphere in the chateau, in the form of Father Clement, played by Michael Remick and a large, dark portrait of Raoul’s formidable and cold looking wife. The Marquise Eloise de Kestournel blasts her way into this confused mess like a tidal wave, shaking everything up and turning perceptions and situations on their heads. Once Raoul’s lover, the Marquise has returned to the chateau to once more seduce him in the hope of marrying him. Kate O’Mara is magnificent in this pivotal role. She commands attention in each scene and utters her witty and insightful lines pointedly and dripping in power and sarcasm.
The entire play takes place in the main living room of the Chateau de Vriaac, but it is an excellent set and great attention has been paid to the layout and details. The room is dominated by the portrait hanging above an inviting fireplace and a large dining table in the centre of the room. There is also a small harpsichord in one corner of the room and an expensive cabinet in the other. The piece de resistance is the French windows in the centre of the far wall, through which the Marquise makes several memorable entrances. Lighting throughout the production is very good, perfectly depicting the time and season. Tim Shortall designed the set and has also had great success with the costumes. The Marquise is flamboyant and seductive, whilst Adrienne is demure and the Father Clement is creepy and mysterious.
Director Guy Retallack has staged an impressive production. The play is funny and engaging and never fails to enthral despite its length, with two intervals. The trio of Denis Lill, Michael Jayston and Kate O’Mara bounce witty remarks and retorts off each other with great speed and energy, perfectly complementing one another. The fun that they inject into the play is heightened by the straight and earnest characterisations of the younger cast members. This play is a delight, and shows us that age really is a state of mind and that if we have the energy, we could all be eternally youthful like the Marquise. © MW
“The Marquise” is in Richmond on the 5th of April until the 10th of April, 2004.
