A Song at Twilight

Cambridge Arts Theatre

Reviewed – 4th March 2019

★★★★

 

“Callow’s performance is everything you’d expect”

 

A Song at Twilight is one of a trio of plays written by Noël Coward (collectively entitled Suite in Three Keys) all of which are set in the same suite in a luxury hotel in Switzerland. This enchanting play was first produced in 1966 and its revival is currently playing at the Arts Theatre, Cambridge as part of a UK Tour.

Upon entering the theatre the audience is greeted by a closed set. When the lights dimmed and the curtain rose we were impressed by Simon Higlett’s fabulous set that successfully recreates an elegant and opulent high windowed hotel suite overlooking a beautiful moonlit lake.

In the original production, set in the mid sixties, Coward himself played the central character of ageing author Sir Hugo Latymer. The part this time is taken by the quintessentially English thespian Simon Callow. Joining him is Jane Asher (Carlotta Grey), Jessica Turner (Lady Hilde Latymer) and Ash Rizi (Felix). 

Stephen Unwin’s direction is near perfect. The cast use the set well and the pace of exchanges in this witty and engaging play means that the attention of the audience is grabbed from the beginning and retained until the curtain call. The lighting (Ben Ormerod) whilst simple, subtly and effectively changes with the moods of the events that unfold.

Callow’s performance is everything you’d expect from an actor of his status and reputation, in fact the whole cast was outstanding throughout.  Jessica Turner spends a fair amount of time offstage but whilst onstage she expertly projects the various layers of Hilde’s personality. Jane Asher is perfectly cast and produces a stylish and elegant performance that shines throughout the evening. Whilst taking a smaller role Ash Rizi delivers an assured performance as the discreet waiter.

Overall I found this to be a very enjoyable evening in a welcoming Cambridge theatre, watching a multi layered piece of work with a tremendous cast. It is a highly recommended production.

 

Reviewed by Steve Sparrow

Photography by Nobby Clark

 

A Song at Twilight

Cambridge Arts Theatre until 9th March then UK tour continues

 

Last ten shows covered by this reviewer:

Cream Tea & Incest | ★★★★ | Hope Theatre | April 2018

Pressure | ★★★★ | Park Theatre | April 2018

Grotty | ★★★★ | The Bunker | May 2018

Stitchers | ★★★½ | Jermyn Street Theatre | June 2018

The Play About my Dad | ★★★★ | Jermyn Street Theatre | June 2018

Oklahoma! | ★★★★ | The Gordon Craig Theatre | August 2018

Square Rounds | ★★★ | Finborough Theatre | September 2018

Sundowning | ★★★★ | Tristan Bates Theatre | October 2018

Drowned or Saved? | ★★★★ | Tristan Bates Theatre | November 2018

Head-rot Holiday | ★★★★ | Hope Theatre | November 2018

 

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