Christopher Walker reviews the Noël Coward double bill at the Orange Tree Theatre Richmond

Noël Coward’s talent has long been recognised, but thought confined to merely accurately capturing the Mayfair drawing room of the 1930s. The theatrical equivalent of Evelyn Waugh.

However, recent research, not least Oliver Soden’s brilliant biography Masquerade, suggests his genius goes far beyond that. 

This comes across very clearly in his last great work, a trilogy of plays called ‘Suite in Three Keys’, now revived at the wonderful little Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond.

Three actors, play three completely different sets of characters, in three different plays. But the action takes place in the same hotel suite in Switzerland with only one character in common. A wonderful singing waiter Felix – perfectly played by Steffan Rizzi in good voice.

True aficionados may wish to take in all three plays in one day, but recognising that not all of us have the time or stamina, the Orange Tree offers two separate bites at this particular theatrical cherry.

The double bill is ‘Shadows of the Evening’, and ‘Come into the Garden, Maud.’

‘Shadows of the Evening’ is a very bittersweet comedy concerning two women who come together to rally around the man they love when he is diagnosed with a terminal disease. As such, it is much stronger theatrical meat than we are used to in Coward’s work, and beware triggers. But it has a lot to say on mortality, and is thought-provoking.

Much easier to digest is his comedy ‘Come into the Garden, Maud,’ and the two together cleverly show off the actors accomplished talents. This concerns an American couple from Minneapolis “doing Europe.” Emma Fielding is hilarious as Anna-Mary Conklin, a monstrous social climber with a purple beehive, while Stephen Boxer cooly captures her put upon husband Verner. 

Tara Fitzgerald is also just perfect as Maud, the slightly hippie British-born Sicilian Princess living in Rome. Costume designer Evelien Van Camp has the look just right.

Insightful and amusing, this double bill is an absolute must Noël Coward fans.

For tickets go to: https://orangetreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/suite-in-three-keys/

Pictured top: Emma Fielding in Come into the Garden Maud (Picture: Steve Gregson)