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There are two things to warn you about. First, the music as you take your seat is deafening. Second, the cast smoke constantly throughout the play. So if you don’t lose your hearing, the passive smoking will get you.

I guess I’m being a bit picky here, but trying to find something to be critical about when it comes to this production of Private Lives is not an easy task.

Private Lives

Some of the dialogue shows its age a little, but in a way that only adds to the comedy of the whole upper class 1930’s Englishness of the situation. A divorced couple are on honeymoon with their new spouses – at the same hotel. Inevitably they meet and discover that they love to hate each other more than ever before - a situation that leads to some of Coward’s funniest lines and a climax that will leave you both exhausted and sore with laughter.

In the programme notes, director Chris Honer says that there is a case for updating the Coward plays, but he describes Private Lives as a “modern classic” and I think he made the right decision not to mess with this one.

Honer’s choice of actors also needs praise with Isla Carter as the blubbering Sybil, James Wallace as cad Elyot, Philip Rham as the explosive Victor and Phillipa Peak as the brilliantly bitchy, manipulative Amanda. Even supporting actor Margot Courtemanche deserves a mention for her spectacular entrance as maid Louise.

With the constant smoking and comedy derived from domestic violence, some may find it a little hard to swallow, but as Chris Honer says, it is a “modern classic” and therefore I suggest you enjoy it for all its gayness.

Private Lives is at The Library Theatre, Manchester until 6th October 2007