Review: This Was A Man at the Finborough Theatre

This Was A Man
Finborough Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 17th July 2014
★★★★

Noël Coward's controversial play This Was A Man has finally found its way to the London stage. Coward's play of recklessness, love and adultery was written in 1925 but was immediately banned by the censor. Productions have since been staged on Broadway and across Europe but this production at the renowned Finborough Theatre, directed by Belinda Lang (who has starred in many of Coward's most iconic plays), marks the piece’s professional UK premiere.

News of a 'lost play' receiving a 'long overdue' UK premiere isn't always as exciting as it sounds as occasionally these pieces have been lost for a reason. However, This Was A Man is a fascinating character driven piece of theatre which still has relevance today. Coward's text is remarkable as he writes dialogue and creates situations which stand the test of time. 

The play has comical moments, but This Was A Man is certainly darker than Coward's other work which has been seen in London most recently (including Blithe Spirit, Relative Values and Private Lives). It's tricky to delve into the story as I do not want to give anything away, but issues surrounding infidelity within a broken marriage are explored. 

Coward writes the most incredible roles for women which have been perfectly cast in this production. Dorothea Myer-Bennett (Carol) and Georgina Rylance (Zoe) give almighty performances; I didn't want either to ever leave the stage. Carol is an enthralling role and it is riveting to watch Myer-Bennett untangle her complexity.

When inside the Finborough Theatre I often forget I am sat in a small London fringe venue. The standard of work staged is staggeringly high with no other fringe venue matching its consistency. Although the pace slips once or twice and the staging occasionally favours certain sides of the room (the audience are sat along three sides of the theatre), This Was A Man is a captivating piece of theatre which grows, untangles and sparks debate. 

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

This Was A Man runs at the Finborough Theatre until Saturday 2nd August 2014.
Please visit www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk for further information and tickets.

Photo Credit: Glasshopper.net

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