THIS classic Noel Coward comedy of bad manners captures and celebrates a quintessential Englishness while simultaneously satirising its delicious awfulness.
The ironically named Bliss family snarl politely through their unseemly squabbles in the presence of their four astonished and embarrassed weekend guests.
Nine superb actors tease the subtle and perceptive nuances from the sparkling script (written in 1922 in just three days!), aided by an atmospheric 1920s country-house set, accurate costumes and immaculate timing, assuredly directed by Robin Herford.
Characters who could so easily become caricatures and situations which could become contrived, are controlled with professional relish. "Cads" and "bounders" being "beastly" and "ripping" intermingle with golden nuggets of dialogue.
There is a beautiful balance and symmetry to this enjoyable play, magnificently performed by the Haymarket Theatre Company. Enjoy a master wordsmith on top form. Runs until Saturday.
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