Set in the Paris Ritz in at the height of the roaring twenties, Semi-Monde takes on a spectrum of interwoven story-lines and promises a thrilling evening’s viewing. Brimming with champagne and edged with unconventional morality, as well as the classic characters you’d expect of any Coward, the show which was censored in its own day proves wonderfully entertaining in ours. Originally written in 1926, the play was not performed until the late 70s because the sexuality of its content was deemed to be too scandalous to be seen on stage. A relatively little-known play as a result of this long period without a production, the forthcoming run at the Oxford Playhouse promises to well and truly dispel this obscurity and silence.
Composed of a series of vignettes, the plot flits between brief excerpts from the complicated and entangled lives of the various guests. From brash American accents to mysterious strangers lurking in the corners, the scenes are heady and cosmopolitan; forging a delicate path between sophistication and vulgarity, superficiality and depth. The script contains the usual mixture of subtext-heavy dialogue and brilliantly understated wit that is to be expected from one of Coward’s plays. The inherent need for fluidity in the piece, as well as its variety, promise to make the evening a very exciting event.
Directed and chosen by Carla Kingham, the cast of 28 actors consists of a variety of students, from freshers to finalists, and was intended by Kingham to bring new people into university drama and discover fresh talent. This has certainly been achieved, the cast is energetic and enthusiastic; full of life and zeal, and this has certainly been in order. Rehearsals started at the beginning of Hilary, and putting such a complex and large-scale show together in the space of four weeks has certainly been a challenge; and a great achievement. In order to get ready for their 5th week performance, the cast are rehearsing intensely throughout 4th.
The evening promises to be a truly spectacular occasion, full of fun both on stage and off. Great lengths have been gone to to achieve authenticity; a jazz band will form part of the performance and, very excitingly, a working bar will be installed in the Playhouse throughout. A perfect way to drive out 5th week blues; not to be missed!
