There is something wonderfully comforting about spending an evening in the company of Noël Coward. His plays transport audiences to a world of sparkling wit, sophisticated romance and gloriously tangled relationships, and this delightful new production of The Marquise at the Theatre Royal Bath captures all of that charm with elegance, energy and no shortage of laughs.
Originally written in 1927 and given a vibrant 1930s makeover for this production, The Marquise feels like a glorious throwback to a simpler age of drawing-room comedy, where misunderstandings abound, secrets lurk beneath polished exteriors and love has a habit of upsetting even the best-laid plans.
Directed by Philip Wilson, this touring production arrives in Bath following a successful run at Theatre Royal Windsor and is packed with a cast of familiar faces from stage and screen. Together they bring Coward’s whimsical comedy to life with infectious enthusiasm, creating a thoroughly entertaining evening that never loses its sense of fun.
At the centre of the story is Raoul de Vriaac, played with warmth and a stern authority by Simon Shepherd. Hoping to arrange a sensible marriage between his daughter and the son of an old friend, Raoul believes he has everything under control. Naturally, this being a Coward comedy, nothing could be further from the truth.
The young couple have plans of their own and their romantic interests lie elsewhere. Just as their carefully concealed feelings threaten to unravel, an even greater disruption arrives in the form of Juliet Aubrey’s spirited Marquise Eloise de Kestournel.
Aubrey is magnificent. She commands the stage from the moment she appears, delivering Coward’s razor-sharp dialogue with effortless style and impeccable comic timing. Eloise is a wonderfully complex character, equal parts mischievous, intelligent and romantic, and Aubrey captures every facet beautifully. Her performance gives the production its beating heart and much of its sparkle.
Simon Shepherd proves the perfect foil. His Raoul balances dignity with vulnerability, and his scenes with Aubrey are among the evening’s greatest pleasures. The chemistry between the pair is completely believable, allowing Coward’s observations on love, ageing and second chances to resonate beneath the comedy.
Tristan Gemmill also impresses as Esteban, bringing charisma and charm to the role. Bath audiences who enjoyed his memorable turn as Captain Hook in the Theatre Royal’s recent pantomime will be delighted to see him back on this stage, demonstrating a very different but equally engaging side of his talents, even with some sword play thrown in.
The younger generation are represented superbly by George Kemp as Jaques Rijar and Eva O’Hara as Adrienne. Their youthful passion and determination provide much of the plot’s momentum, while their performances ensure audiences remain invested in the romantic chaos unfolding around them.
What perhaps surprised me most was how contemporary some of the play’s themes still feel. Beneath the witty exchanges and comic misunderstandings lies a story about following your heart, embracing second chances and refusing to let age dictate your happiness. These themes remain as relevant today as they were nearly a century ago.
For anyone who enjoys classic comedy, sparkling performances and a generous helping of romance, The Marquise is a delightful treat.
A wonderfully whimsical production performed with tremendous zest and style, it reminds us exactly why Noël Coward remains one of Britain’s most beloved playwrights.
The Marquise is at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday 20 June. For tickets visit the Theatre Royal Bath website at theatreroyal.org.uk
