Noel Coward: Reviews: Salisbury Journal

REVIEW

Coward’s 1930s flair in Salisbury Studio Theatre double bill

30th June

In 1936, Noël Coward wrote a cycle of nine one-act plays designed to be performed in rotating groups of three under the title Tonight at 8.30. Moving effortlessly between farce, satire and romance, the format proved hugely popular with audiences.

This week, Salisbury Studio Theatre revisits the idea with a well-judged pairing of two contrasting pieces. Separated by an interval, with 1930s-style cocktails at the bar, adding to the sense of stepping back in time.

Simon Haseley and Clare Green in Hands Across the Sea at Salisbury Studio Theatre. Image: Anthony von Roretz/Trinity Photography

The evening begins with Hands Across the Sea, a lively comedy of manners that gently pokes fun at upper-class social habits. Clare Green leads the charge as Piggie, bringing plenty of energy and comic flair. Sheridan Cooper and Jamie Pullen are both strong as Mr and Mrs Wadhurst, with Pullen’s sharp timing and expressive reactions drawing consistent laughs. Jackie Pilkington also stands out as the impeccably polished but refreshingly frank Clare.

Directed by Sally Marshall, it leans confidently into the play’s farcical elements. A persistently ringing telephone becomes a clever running device, continually interrupting and further entangling the already confused guests.

The second half shifts tone considerably. Still Life – which was later adapted into the classic film Brief Encounter – is set in a railway station café and follows the quiet heartbreak of an unexpected love affair. Jamie Pullen returns in a very different role as Dr Harvey, delivering a controlled and convincing performance. Opposite him, Sophie Townsend is equally compelling, bringing sensitivity and restraint to the role of Laura, effectively conveying the character’s inner conflict and quiet desperation.

The intensity of the central story is balanced by lighter moments from the station staff. Ness Hawkings and Colin Hayman are a constant source of comedy as ‘the other couple’ Mrs Bagot and Mr Godby, with Hawkings in particular delivering superbly timed, scene-stealing moments as the gloriously indiscreet Myrtle Bagot, drawing some of the biggest laughs of the evening. Meanwhile Emily Casselton and James Cates bring warmth and charm to the younger pairing of Beryl and Stanley.

Under Linda Hayman’s direction, Still Life is handled with a sure touch, allowing the emotion to come through naturally without becoming overblown.

The set design deserves a mention too. Simple black walls and effective lighting create a flexible backdrop that shifts smoothly from a Mayfair drawing room to a station café.

This is another excellent and engaging production from Studio Theatre, showing both versatility and a keen understanding of Coward’s distinctive style.

Performances continue until Saturday, July 4, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 (£8 for under-16s), available from http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/studiotheatresalisbury and the Salisbury Information Centre.