“Coward’s attack on the sexual stereotypes of the time is nowhere clearer than when Elyot informs Amanda that it doesn’t suit women to be promiscuous. “It doesn’t suit men for women to be promiscuous,” Amanda shoots back, drawing applause and cheers.
As Amanda, Peacock is everything audiences have come to expect over her years in Stratford, not so much delivering lines as thoroughly being Amanda. Her fine work ensures that even the most subtle humour isn’t missed, like when Vincent asks if she loves him. “Of course, that’s why I’m here,” is the coldly insensitive response.
Shara gives the production one of its best performances, playing Victor with perfect stiff pomposity. A momentary pause and almost imperceptible tilt of the head frequently restrains his emotions before he gathers himself to speak. “I’m glad to be normal,” he declares early in the play, not long before he pauses to adjust a vase of flowers on the table with a quarter-turn.”
Read Full Review05/31/2019