The very first thing I mentioned to my buddy through the interval of Non-public Lives on the Donmar Warehouse was, ‘I do not bear in mind this being a play about home violence’.

We might simply witnessed Elyot (Stephen Mangan) and Amanda (Rachael Stirling) having a bodily battle which included Elyot grabbing Amanda by the throat and throwing her onto a settee.

This wasn’t slapstick violence which you may count on in a comedy of this sort however vicious, and it wasn’t humorous.

A lady was overheard asking an usher why there wasn’t a content material warning. There’s one, however it’s tucked away on the web site to keep away from spoilers.

And it isn’t a play I would suppose to search for content material warning.

You count on verbal cuts and bruises as bitterly divorced couple Elyot and Amanda discover themselves in neighbouring rooms whereas on their respective honeymoons. However the bodily combating looks like an odd selection.

The play is, in essence, a couple of couple who cannot dwell with out one another however equally cannot dwell with one another – regardless of agreeing on a ‘time-out’ phrase when they’re bickering.

And the bickering does rumble together with a very good smattering of snickers, as you’d count on from a Noel Coward play. Rachael Stirling is especially good because the sharp and witty Amanda.

However all this serves to make the violence all of the extra surprising – and misplaced. It throws a shadow on what follows and modifications the way you view Elyot. 

Stephen Mangan is a seasoned comedy actor and an skilled at timing, however his Elyot can lack attraction, making him appear chilly, barbed and aggressive.

When he and Amanda aren’t combating, there’s heat and affection, however sandwiched between slaps, grabbing, pinning and pushing, it’s onerous to reconcile.

Certainly each Amanda and Sibyl simply gloss over his bullying and aggressive behaviour.

So I am a bit conflicted about Non-public Lives. Sure, I chuckled and laughed on events, however the home violence turned this into a unique kind of play, and it did not sit nicely.

I am giving is ⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Non-public Lives, Donmar Warehouse

Written by Noel Coward

Directed by Michael Longhurst

Starring: Rachael Stirling, Stephen Mangan, Laura Carmichael, Sargon Yelda.

Operating time is 2 hours and 5 minutes, together with an interval.

Reserving till 27 Could for info and to e-book tickets, go to the Donmar Warehouse web site.

Not too long ago reviewed:

Sea Creatures, Hampstead Theatre Downstairs ⭐️⭐️ and a half, reserving till 29 April.

A Little Life, Harold Pinter Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reserving till 16 June, it then transfers to the Savoy Theatre for five weeks.

BLACK SUPERHERO, Royal Court docket Theatre  ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half, reserving till 29 April

Additional Than The Furthest Factor, Younger Vic ⭐️⭐️⭐️ reserving till 25 April

A Streetcar Named Want, Almeida Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half; transferring to the West Finish on 20 March.