2.42°C Playing to all their strengths, Platform Musicals and Plays deliver a sumptuous staging of this little-performed Noël Coward play at The Headgate Theatre. Shot through with Coward’s trademark wit and upper-class dilemmas, the production marks exactly 100 years since the play was first staged, and it is striking how forward-thinking it remains in its discussion of sex and scandal.
Into the painfully structured world of the Whittaker family returns the prodigal son, John, with his new bride, Larita, older than him and, as is revealed, a divorcee. Over the next three months, boredom and snobbery begin to stifle Larita’s spirit, until stiff upper lips melt in a heatwave of exposed truths and escalating arguments.
The staging is sumptuous. The multipurpose set is gorgeous, complemented by terrific period costumes, immediately inviting the audience into this rarified world.
The cast of well-known Platform favourites attack the play with relish. Jackie Grant is perfectly on point as the sharp-tongued matriarch Mrs Whittaker, who refuses to let any moral degenerate drag her family’s name into the mud, least of all her son’s. She is matched by the superb Helen McCraw as daughter Marion, a religious hypocrite never far from a pair of jolly hockey sticks, clomping around the stage like a Clare Balding with attitude – an hilarious interpretation.
As Larita, Laura Hill lights up the stage, capturing her mystique, her honesty and her insight, and standing firm when accusations fly. Tom Pleasant is his usual strong self as John, though it would be good to see him tackle a more challenging role as he plays this one with ease. Emma Theedom is excellent as Sarah, his former love interest and neighbour. In fact, there isn’t a weak link in the cast, from stalwarts such as Wayne Setford and Maddy Smith to the wonderful cameos in the third-act dance. Will Hooper is particularly impressive as Colonel Whittaker, steadfast in his defence of Larita.
Directed with assurance and insight by Andrew Hodgson, assisted by Cally Kline, the production lets Coward’s script speak for itself. The lines are delivered with exactly the right tone and rhythm, the pace spot on, unlike a certain recent revival of a more familiar Coward play staged in Colchester. The resources and creativity behind this production are a testament to the depth of talent in the city.
Running until Saturday 22nd November 2025. Tickets are available.
Review by Paul T. Davies, Theatre Editor, Keep Colchester Cool
Photo credit: Sally Parkinson Photography.
