The pairing of Stephen Mangan and Rachael Stirling in Noel Coward’s iconic 1930 battle-of-the-sexes comedy promised sparks, but it’s a largely joyless affair that only occasionally ignites. Dialogue that should zing falls flatter than Norfolk. And Norfolk, as Coward observed in this endlessly quotable script, is very flat indeed.
Stirling, it’s true, manifests a revelatory mix of alabaster poise and gamey sexuality. Her best moments here are the best things I’ve seen her do on stage. But an uncomfortable Mangan relies on his innate timing, and – with his unruly hair initially pasted down – looks disturbingly like Prince Andrew.
