Review of The Way of the World

"Sex, Greed, Scandal and Fops." by Susan Moisan for remotegoat on 21/03/10

I had the advantage of being already very familiar with Congreve's sparkling satirical comedy which today is regarded as one of the best-written and most dazzling comedies of the Restoration era. In 1700 however it received limited praise, probably the elaborate dialogue, the aristocracy taking perfectly crafted bites out of each other combined with the lack of action proving too much for its contemporary audience.

Certainly The Way Of the World is one of the most complicated stories of its type. Fortunately Imperial Productions have laid out a synopsis in the programme to help us along.

The themes, however, may surprise the modern audience as being just as prevalent over 300 years ago as they are easily recognisable now. Money, greed, infidelity, sex, love, vanity, equality and prenuptial agreements all feature which is perhaps why this play works equally as well in a modern setting.
David Phipps-Davis's confident direction leaves set and props to the bare minimum, gimmicks and tricks out completely and gives the actors the freedom to simply tell us the story.

The story itself revolves around Edward Mirabell (an accomplished Nathan Nolan)'s desire to marry the coquettish and independent society beauty Millamant (transformed into a relaxed and clever Sloane-type by Milanka Brooks). Mirabell has been thwarted by his love's aunt Lady Wishfort who herself has the hots for him and threatens to disinherit her niece if she marries without her consent.

Add to that mix the plotting of Mr Fainall (a relaxed and artful Andrew Futaishi) and his scheming mistress Marwood to steal his wife's estate, the traditional Restoration-era essentials of not one but two Fops, clever servants, country visitors plus disguises and trickery.

The actors however all have complete command over the story, delivering the language with ease and making the repartee as funny today as it would have been 300 years ago. The uniformly strong cast keep each scene well paced and energetic, and even in one of the tricky seats at the Barons Court (ah, those pillars) I rarely had a problem seeing everything. There are some excellent comedic performances by Phillip Mansfield (Waitwell/Sir Roland) and Viv Creegor whose Lady Wishfort, despite overtones of Edina from Ab Fab, made you love her and cringe in equal measure.

What was designed to be a biting satire of the upper classes in 1700, now and perhaps sadly, carries all too easily recognisable themes of 21st century modern living.

But I wouldn't let that worry you in what is a thoroughly enjoyable and intelligent production.

Event Venues & Times
finished	Barons Court | 28a Comeragh Road, Barons Court, London, W14 9HR

Add your review? Have your say, add your review

An Inspector Calls by Susan Moisan