Private Lives (Methuen)
by Noël Coward

BroadwayWest End
Private Lives (Methuen) Book Cover
Private Lives (Methuen) Cover

Highlights

120 mins1930sUnit Set/Multiple SettingsPeriod CostumesBritishComedy

Awards & Recognition

Olivier Award

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.

Witty and sharp dialogueDelightful and funClever banter between charactersTimeless exploration of relationshipsSome themes feel datedCharacters can be unlikable

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

Available Editions

FormatPrice
Paperback
£9.99
Paperback · Acting
£10.99
Paperback
£12.21

Publication

PublisherMethuen
Year1947
BindingPaperback
EditionActing
Pages58
PlaceLondon
LanguageEnglish
ISBN-139780573013577
ISBN-100573013578
LCCPR6005.O85
DCC822.91

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.

Community Reviews

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Rating

3.9

4k ratings·101 reviews

Review

Buy Play

Acting

Samuel French · 1947 · 58 pp

From £3.83 total

Digital prices may vary by region and tax jurisdiction.

Performance Rights

Available for Licensing
Amateur Only
Fee:Minimum Fee: $130 per performance
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