Relative Values

“Above all, I drink to the final inglorious disintegration of the most unlikely dream that ever troubled the foolish heart of man - Social Equality.”  Crestwell, the Butler - Relative Values by Noël Coward 1951.

It’s Saturday afternoon in the library of Marshwood House, East Kent, Britain. Felicity, the Countess of Marchwood, is horrified that her son, Nigel, Earl of Marshwood, is engaged to a Hollywood movie star, Miranda Frayle. Housemaid Alice is thrilled at the prospect of seeing the famous actress. Butler Crestwell is concerned about the class gap between the affianced. Moxie, the Countess's loyal personal maid, has a secret and says she must leave. Felicity begs Moxie to tell her the reason, and the truth turns their world on its head.

One of Coward’s comedies of manners, Relative Values was first performed in 1951. This was the famous playwright's return to comedic writing after World War II. Times and class structures were changing across Britain and the world. However, Relative Values is considered by many to be Coward’s celebration of the traditional British hierarchy.

It is great that Aspect presents classic plays as they did last year with Stage Door, also directed by Candice Mitrousis.

The play’s humour felt very between the wars and is very British with Coward’s signature wit. As was common for the time, there are three acts and two intervals. However, the director kept things moving, and the audience did not become restless.

There was a strong sense of authenticity in the production. Accents, including several British variations, were noticeably good and seldom wavered. The set was furniture you might find in the sitting room of Marshwood House during the interwar period and used effectively in blocking. Accurate hairstyles by Grace Hart-Davies and exquisite costumes by Margot Sephton also contributed to the sense of time and place.

There were many strong performances; of particular note were great foils Stephen Howe as the butler, Crestwell, and Sarah Hollins as housemaid Alice.

Janine Howe, who played Lady Felicity, Countess of Marshwood, was a charismatic lead. She had many more lines than any other character, a perfect accent, and did not flag. She also looked the part with beautifully coiffed hair and fitted costumes. She and Stephen Howe are partners in real life.

Congratulations Aspect Theatre for a lovely afternoon of Noël Coward.

Jane Court