Relative Values (2013, 2014)
Synopsis | The Production | Photographs | Reviews |
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Synopsis
There is consternation at Marshwood House when the young Earl announces he is to marry a Hollywood film actress…but the family is well and truly flummoxed when it comes to light that the starlet’s sister is none other than Moxie, the Earl’s mother’s maid. In an attempt to cope with this deeply embarrassing situation, Moxie is dressed up in her ladyship’s cast-offs as the aristocratic family endeavours to pass her off as one of their own.
Text from Theatre Royal, Bath
Synopsis of each scene from Wiki
Relative Values is a three-act comedy by Noël Coward. It opened at the Savoy Theatre on 28 November 1951, after a short provincial tour, and ran until 17 January 1953. It was directed by Noel Coward.
Relative Values is set in the 1950s, at Marshwood House, East Kent.
Act Scene Act I Scene I Saturday afternoon Scene II Two hours later Act II Scene I Before dinner Scene II After dinner Act III The following morning Information from Wikipedia
The Production
Announcements and Publicity:
An article by director, Trevor Nunn, on his thoughts on reviving the play. Published in The Telegraph, 6 June, 2013. Also, the press release.
London Poster, outside Harold Pinter Theatre
Photo: Clare Juland, with permission
London Flyer |
Another London Flyer |
Performances and Venues:
Sessions were approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with one minute interval. Tickets were available through ATG outlets. Producer: Theatre Royal Bath Productions. The production premiered in Bath in 2013, and transferred to London about 12 months later.
Venue | Dates | Session Times | Prices |
---|---|---|---|
Theatre Royal, Bath Sawclose Bath BA1 1ET |
Wednesday, 12 June to Wednesday, 29 June, 2013. Previews from: 12 June, 2003 Press Night: Wednesday, 19 June, 2013, 7pm Audio-described 27 June 2.30pm. Post-show Discussion 27 June 7.30pm. |
Monday to Saturday 7.30pm Thursday Matinees: 20, 27 June 2.30pm Saturday Matinees: 15, 22, 29 June 2.30pm |
£20.50 to £36.50 |
Theatre Royal, Brighton New Road Brighton East Sussex BN1 1SD |
Monday, 1 July to Saturday, 6 July, 2013. | Monday to Saturday 7:45pm Thursday and Saturday Matinees 2:30pm |
£15.00 to £42.50 |
Richmond Theatre The Green Outer London Greater London TW9 1QJ |
Monday, 8 July to Saturday, 13 July, 2013. | Monday to Saturday 7:30pm Wednesday and Saturday Matinees 2:30pm |
£15.00 to £42.50 |
Harold Pinter Theatre (formerly the Comedy Theatre) Panton Street West End Greater London SW1Y 4DN |
19th March to 21st June, 2014. Press Night: 14th April 2014 7:00pm |
Monday to Saturday 7:30pm Thursdaysday and Saturday Matinees 2:30pm |
£20.00. To £55.00 |
London Programme |
Richmond Programme |
Cast and Creatives:
The casting announcement, confirming Steven’s involvement.
Further information:
Steven will play Peter Ingleton, the Countess of Marshwood’s witty and sophisticated nephew.In play text, Peter Ingleton is introduced early in Act I, and is described as “anywhere between thirty-five and fifty. He is impeccably dressed and has a quizzical gleam in his eye.”
Relative Values, A Light Comedy in Three Acts by Noel Coward,
Heinemann, London, 1952, page 8.Colin Firth played the role on film in 2000, and described the character as, “Peter basically spends his time hanging around the place. He’s a harmless mischief-maker who enjoys the crisis that’s unfolding and he treats it all as a bit of a game.”
Colin Firth, 23 August, 2000. Reference.
Peter Ingleton’s voyeur-like role is thought by some to be based on the character of Noel Coward.
Reference.
A stellar cast launches the Summer Season 2013 when three of Britain’s most popular comedy performers join forces in one of Noël Coward’s most successful comedies. Set in the early 1950s, Relative Values is about the uproarious culture clash between the glittering world of Hollywood and the stiff upper lip of the English aristocracy.
Patricia Hodge’s extensive stage work ranges from Dandy Dick to His Dark Materials. She won an Olivier Award for Money at the National Theatre. Her television credits include The Life And Loves Of A She-Devil, Jemima Shore Investigates and Rumpole Of The Bailey. She plays Miranda’s mother in Miranda.
Caroline Quentin’s many television roles have ranged from Blue Murder, Life of Riley, Life Begins, Men Behaving Badly, Kiss Me Kate and Jonathan Creek to Stephen Poliakoff’s Dancing on the Edge. Amongst her numerous awards she has twice won the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actress.
Rory Bremner, one of the UK’s leading impressionists and comedians, known for Bremner, Bird and Fortune and the award-winning Rory Bremner…Who Else? will be making his drama debut.
They will be joined by Steven Pacey, Olivier-nominated for By Jeeves, Katherine Kingsley, Olivier-nominated for Piaf and Singing in the Rain and Ben Mansfield, who will be remembered by Bath audiences as Hotspur in Peter Hall’s five star productions of Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 in the 2011 Peter Hall Season.
Trevor Nunn is one of the UK’s leading theatre, film and television directors. He has been Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. His extensive repertoire includes the musicals Cats and Les Misérables, for which he won Tony Awards, and the Olivier Award-winning Summerfolk, The Merchant of Venice, Troilus and Cressida and The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.
Text from Theatre Royal, Bath
Major cast changes:
Katherine Kingsley played Miranda Frayle for Bath, Richmond and Brighton; Leigh Zimmerman took this role in London.
Rory Bremner played Crestwell, the Butler, for Bath, Richmond, Brighton and London until Neil Morrissey took over the role from 26 May, 2014 in London.
CAST | CHARACTER | |
---|---|---|
Patricia Hodge | Felicity, Countess of Marshwood |
|
Caroline Quentin | Moxie (Dora Moxton) |
|
Rory Bremner (Neil Morrissey 26 May – 21 June London) |
Crestwell | |
Steven Pacey | Hon. Peter Ingleton | |
Amanda Boxer. | Lady Cynthia Hayling | |
Timothy Kightley | Admiral Sir John Hayling | |
Sam Hoare | Nigel, Earl of Marshwood |
|
Katherine Kingsley (Bath, Richmond, Brighton) Leigh Zimmerman (London) |
Miranda Frayle | |
Ben Mansfield | Don Lucas | |
Rebecca Birch | Alice |
CREATIVES | |
---|---|
Writer | Noel Coward |
Director | Trevor Nunn |
Designer | Stephen Brimson Lewis |
Lighting Design | Tim Mitchell |
Sound Design | Fergus O’Hare |
Music Consultant | Steven Edis |
Projections | Andrzej Goulding |
Associate Director | Michael Oakley |
Photographs
Space dictates that we have only included photos featuring Steven Pacey.
Production Photographs:
Jane Hobson took the production photographs for Relative Values.
These pictures were taken in Bath, on the 17th – 19th June 2013:
Timothy Kightley (Admiral Sir John Hayling), Amanda Boxer (Lady Cynthia Hayling), Steven Pacey (Peter Ingleton), Rory Bremner (Crestwell), Patricia Hodge (Felicity, Countess of Marshwood), Caroline Quentin (Moxie, the housemaid). Photograph © Jane Hobson.
Timothy Kightley (Admiral Sir John Hayling), Amanda Boxer (Lady Cynthia Hayling), Steven Pacey (Peter Ingleton), Rory Bremner (Crestwell), Patricia Hodge (Felicity, Countess of Marshwood), Caroline Quentin (Moxie, the housemaid). Photograph © Jane Hobson.
Patricia Hodge (Felicity, Countess of Marshwood), Steven Pacey (Peter Ingleton), Rory Bremner (Crestwell, the butler), Sam Hoare (Nigel, Earl of Marshwood), Katherine Kingsley (Miranda Frayle) and Ben Mansfield (Don Lucas). Photograph © Jane Hobson.
Patricia Hodge (Felicity, Countess of Marshwood), Caroline Quentin (Moxie, the housemaid), Steven Pacey (Peter Ingleton) and Rory Bremner (Crestwell, the butler). Photograph © Jane Hobson.
Patricia Hodge (Felicity, Countess of Marshwood), Steven Pacey (Peter Ingleton), Ben Mansfield (Don Lucas), Katherine Kingsley (Miranda Frayle) and Sam Hoare (Nigel, Earl of Marshwood). Photograph © Jane Hobson.
Patricia Hodge (Felicity, Countess of Marshwood), Steven Pacey (Peter, The Honourable Peter Ingleton), Rory Bremner (Crestwell, the butler), Sam Hoare (Nigel, Earl of Marshwood), Katherine Kingsley (Miranda Frayle) and Ben Mansfield (Don Lucas). Photograph © Jane Hobson.
Jane Hobson took another set of rehearsal photographs for Relative Values on the 26 March with the updated West End cast, including this one of Steven Pacey:
Rory Bremner, Patricia Hodge, Steven Pacey and Caroline Quentin
Photograph: © Jane Hobson, used with permission.
And a whole collection of photographs featuring Leigh Zimmerman, similar to the one shown:
All photographs above are © Jane Hobson, who has kindly let us display them. They are all available for purchase at her website.
Patricia Hodge, Steven Pacey, Ben Mansfield, Leigh Zimmerman, Sam Hoare
Photograph: © Jane Hobson, published in The Times
Patricia Hodge, Steven Pacey, Ben Mansfield, Leigh Zimmerman, Sam Hoare
Photograph: © Jane Hobson, published in The Telegraph, 20 April
Photographer, David Benett, was in the press crowd for the Relative Values press night on 14 April, 2014. The result, some great curtain call photographs! They are available for purchase from Getty Images.
Click Here for:
Steven Pacey (Peter Ingleton) and Rory Bremner (Crestwell, butler).
Click Here for:
Amanda Boxer, Sam Hoare, Steven Pacey, Patricia Hodge, Caroline Quentin, Rory Bremner, Leigh Zimmerman and Ben Mansfield.
Three similar photographs:
Click Here
and Here
and Here for:
Sam Hoare, Steven Pacey, Patricia Hodge, Caroline Quentin, Rory Bremner, Leigh Zimmerman.
Click Here for:
Steven Pacey, Patricia Hodge, Caroline Quentin, Rory Bremner.
Rehearsal Photographs:
Lucky me, I got to gatecrash this party! #RelativeValues it's been grand. @katkingsley @BirchR @quentyquestions pic.twitter.com/gtTODD71uW
— Sophia Dalton (@sophiaelinor) July 14, 2013
First Run Through was June 5, 2013 (Tweet from Ben Mansfield). Technical and dress rehearsals from Monday, June 9. (Tweets from Caroline Quentin and Ben Mansfield).
A late night working hard finalising some scenes in tech for #RelativeValues! Here's Sir Trevor Nunn in action. pic.twitter.com/o8LKoq4I4G
— Martin Richardson (@_MRichardson_) March 18, 2014
A cast photo of the tech run from Rory Bremner:
One Day to Opening! Cast of #RelativeValues at tech run Harold Pinter Theatre http://t.co/7kDCEV2FQb pic.twitter.com/8MkismcQS6
— Rory Bremner (@rorybremner) March 18, 2014
From ATG Tickets
Reviews
Professional Reviews – Bath
“and there’s a delightful scene-stealing turn from Steven Pacey as Peter, the Countess’s nephew.”
Natasha Tripney, The Stage
“and Steven Pacey as Felicity’s nephew, Peter, providing the other half of a strong comic quartet”
Elizabeth Davis, The Independent
“Felicty, Countess of Marshwood, is played by the brilliant Patricia Hodge who delivers the sharp wit of Noel Coward with exquisite precision. Along with Steven Pacey as her on-stage nephew, The Honourable Peter Ingleton, the pair provide a class-act. ”
Richard Loftus, ThePublicReviews.com
“Steven Pacey is charmingly droll as the Countess’s lounging nephew, Peter.”
Kate Bassett, The Independent
DATE | SOURCE | REVIEWER | STAR RATING |
---|---|---|---|
23 June, 2013 Bath |
The Observer | Clare Brennan | not rated |
22 June, 2013 Bath |
The Independent | Kate Bassett | *** |
22 June, 2013 Bath |
The Guardian | Lyn Gardner | ** |
21 June, 2013 Bath |
The Express | Neil Norman | **** |
21 June, 2013 Bath |
The Times (only by subscription) |
Libby Purves | **** |
20 June, 2013 Bath |
The Independent | Elizabeth Davis | *** |
20 June, 2013 Bath |
The Stage | Natasha Tripney | not rated |
19 June, 2013 Bath |
The Telegraph | Charles Spencer | **** |
19 June, 2013 Bath |
Blackmore Vale Magazine | not rated | |
19 June, 2013 Bath |
ThePublicReviews.com | Richard Loftus | *** |
Amateur Reviews – Bath
Patricia hodge and Steven pacey were especially good, definitely worth it ☺
— Hannah Lucas (@hannahlucas_) June 22, 2013
“Add Katherine Kingsley as Miranda, Ben Mansfield as Hollywood star and her old flame, Don Lucas and Steven Pacey as Peter, the Countess’s gay cousin and confidante. All perform clichéd roles superbly.”
Peter Viney, BLOG
DATE | SOURCE | REVIEWER | STAR RATING |
---|---|---|---|
27 June, 2013 Bath |
Peter Viney’s BLOG | Peter Viney | not rated |
27 June, 2013 Bath |
Shall I Compare a Play to a Full Price BLOG | David Jobson | not rated |
20 June, 2013 Bath |
Rosie Pentreath’s BLOG | Rosie Pentreath | not rated |
19 June, 2013 Bath |
Reviews Gate BLOG | Timothy Ramsden | not rated |
Professional Reviews – Richmond and Brighton
“Steven Pacey makes the most of his role as the Countess’s nephew Peter (Coward himself would surely have been delighted by the performance)”
David Guest, West Sussex County Times
“Steven Pacey has great fun as Felicity’s camp and mischievous nephew”
What’s On Stage
“an excellent supporting cast featuring Steven Pacey as Lady Marshwood’s nephew”
Steve Turner, The Public Reviews
“Steven Pacey lolls delectably as the gay nephew.”
Alex Ramon, British Theatre Guide
DATE | SOURCE | REVIEWER | STAR RATING |
---|---|---|---|
13 July, 2013 Richmond |
UK Theatre Network | Douglas McFarlance | not rated |
9 July, 2013 Richmond |
The Public Reviews | Stephen Bates | **** |
nd Richmond |
Exuent Magazine | Alice Saville | *** |
nd Richmond |
British Theatre Guide | Alex Ramon | not rated |
3 July, 2013 Brighton |
West Sussex County Times | David Guest | not rated |
3 July, 2013 Brighton |
What’s On Stage | ** | |
2 July, 2013 Brighton |
The Argus | Barrie Jerram | not rated |
2 July, 2013 Brighton |
Worthing Herald | Katherine Hollisey-McLean | not rated |
2 July, 2013 Brighton |
The Public Reviews | Steve Turner | *** |
2 July, 2013 Brighton |
UK Theatre Network | Greg Donaldson | not rated |
2 July, 2013 Brighton |
Sussex Express | not rated | 1 July, 2013 Brighton |
The Latest | Steve Clements | **** |
Amateur Reviews – Richmond and Brighton
“In this very modern production there is also a deliciously camp Steven Pacey to enjoy as Felicity’s nephew Peter.”
Paddy Briggs, Paddy’s Art Reviews BLOG
DATE | SOURCE | REVIEWER | STAR RATING |
---|---|---|---|
16 July, 2013 Richmond |
Paddy’s Art Reviews | Paddy Briggs | **** |
14 July, 2013 Richmond |
Loitering in the Theatre | not rated | |
9 July, 2013 Richmond |
AllinLondon.co.uk | May B | not rated |
1 July, 2013 Brighton |
The Latest | Steve Clements | **** |
Professional Reviews – London
“Steven Pacey is equally perfectly cast as the Countess’ nephew, bringing a playful, camp vibe to the character that never fails to raise a smile.”
Dom Ellis, SoSoGay Magazine
“Patricia Hodge is on fine form as the Countess, and is well complemented by Steven Pacey as her nephew and co-conspirator; Pacey showed a couple of years ago in Charley’s Aunt that he has a talent for playing well-to-do gents who have entered middle age without slowing down or acquiring grace and poise, and his Hon. Peter is cut from the same cloth.”
Ian Shuttleworth, Financial Times
“Steven Pacey ingeniously finds a gay subtext in the underwritten character of the countess’s nephew”
Michael Billington, The Guardian
“… delightful supporting performances from Steven Pacey as a deliciously camp friend of the family”
Charles Spencer, The Telegraph
“… some nice turns coming from Steven Pacey as a gay nephew”
David Phipps-Davis, What’s On Stage
“What could easily become just a vehicle for Hodge’s brilliance reinvents itself as a true ensemble piece, and even Steven Pacey (in the thankless role of the Countess’s nephew) stakes his claim.”
Alexandra Coghlan, The Arts Desk
“Steven Pacey plays an amused observer with a Puckish feyness that may not be in the text.”
Gerald Berkowitz, Cheap Theatre Tickets
“Extra credit must go to Steven Pacey as Peter.”
Charlie Ward, Cheap Theatre Tickets
“The cast does not contain a single weak link, with every actor bringing something unique to their role … Steven Pacey brings a sniggering campness to Felicity’s nephew.”
Rachel Fellows, The Arbuturian
DATE | SOURCE | REVIEWER | STAR RATING |
---|---|---|---|
15 April | The Telegraph | Charles Spencer | **** |
15 April | Financial Times | Ian Shuttleworth | *** |
15 April | The Stage | Ben Dowell | not rated |
15 April | The Guardian | Michael Billington | *** |
15 April | What’s On Stage | David Phipps-Davis | **** |
15 April | Time Out London | Andrzej Lukowski | ** |
15 April | London Theatre Guide | Mark Shenton | ** |
15 April | BBC News: Entertainment and Arts | not rated | |
16 April | The Times (subscription only) |
Kate Bassett | **** |
16 April | West End Frame | Andrew Tomlins | **** |
16 April | Cheap Theatre Tickets | Charlie Ward | not rated |
17 April | SoSoGay Magazine | Dom Ellis | **** |
18 April | The Arts Desk | Alexandra Coghlan | not rated |
20 April | London Evening Standard | Fiona Mountford | *** |
20 April, 2014 | The Telegraph | Tim Walker | not rated |
22 April, 2014 | The Arbuturian | Rachel Fellows | not rated |
not dated | Theatre Guide London | Gerald Berkowitz | *** |
not dated | Exeunt Magazine | Neil Dowden | *** |
Amateur Reviews – London
“Steven Pacey’s effete, Woosterish Peter, who steals many scenes with a raised eyebrow or arch comment.”
Scott Matthewman, The Public Reviews
“Special mentions have to be given to the performances from Zimmerman (Miranda), Quentin (Moxie) and Stephen [sic] Pacey (Felicity’s amusing nephew Peter)”
Nutleyone BLOG
“Steven Pacey adds to the jollity flitting about the stage as Peter, Felicity’s perkily flippant nephew, he’s especially hilarious when he develops a crush on the second movie star to turn up.”
Phil, West End Whinger’s BLOG
“Her partner in crime is her nephew the Honourable Peter Ingleton who brings a gay lightness to the playful character. Steven Pacey as Peter is very amusing in his efforts to ensnare an unsuspecting Don Lucas, the very attractive yet dim actor in what turns out to be something of a love square.”
Amina Bhuiyan, A Younger Theatre
“Steven Pacey has a particular take on the role of the Countess’ nephew and carries it through with real charm.”
Owen Davies, Plays to See
DATE | SOURCE | REVIEWER | STAR RATING |
---|---|---|---|
31 March | West End Whingers | Phil | **** |
10 April | nutleyone.co.uk | nutleyone | *** |
15 April | Reviews Gate | Carole Woddis | not rated |
16 April | Plays to See | Owen Davies | **** |
18 April | A Younger Theatre | Amina Bhuiyan | not rated |
20 April | The Public Reviews | Scott Matthewman | *** 1/2 |