Private Lives (Methuen)
by Noël Coward
Highlights
Awards & Recognition
Nominee: 2014 Olivier Award for Best Revival of a Play
What readers are saying
Readers appreciate the wit and humor in the play, often praising its sharp dialogue and entertaining characters. Many find it a delightful and quick read, filled with clever banter and lively situations. However, some note that the play feels somewhat dated and express discomfort with its themes of spousal conflict.
Synopsis
Coward's wit and precision as a modern dramatist is nowhere better exemplified than in this classic modern play from 1930.
Elyot Chase and Amanda Prynne (originally played by Gertrude Lawrence and Noël Coward), recently divorced from one another five years previously, arrive coincidentally at the same French hotel.
They are honeymooning with their respective new spouses.
Encountering one another by chance, each is at once horrified and fascinated by the other.
Together they leave for Paris and begin a roundelay of quarrels and love intrigues that culminate in their getting back together.
Press Reviews
"A gleaming and gleeful comedy."
— The New York Post
"A brilliant comedy. A very funny play."
— Newsweek
Characters
| Character |
|---|
SIBYL CHASE
ELYOT CHASE
VICTOR PRYNNE
AMANDA PRYNNE
LOUISE |
Videos
Private Lives by Noël Coward - Starring Gertrude Lawrence and Orson Welles - 1939
Publication
Private Lives (Methuen) is a British comedy play written by Noël Coward and published by Methuen in London (1947).
Digital editions available on Amazon Kindle, Apple Books.
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Buy Play
Acting
Samuel French · 1947 · 58 pp
Digital prices may vary by region and tax jurisdiction.
Performance Rights
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