THANK heavens for the breath of fresh air that is Private Lives, presented by Sally Burton's Onward Production at Subiaco Arts Centre.
Written and set in the difficult time just prior to the Great Depression, it exhibits complete disregard for that Sword of Damocles hanging over the world.
Noel Coward's masterpiece makes it quite obvious that life in those times - particularly in the upper echelon of society - was just as racy, naughty and amoral as the present time, except for the surface gloss.
The difference from much modern work is that the playwright relies on the richness of the English language, humour and bizarre situations to sustain his plot - not a four-letter expletive every few lines.
Fate is the only F word in sight, as the divorcees of five years - Elyot and Amanda - meet again on adjacent balconies as they prepare to honeymoon with their fresh spouses.
It is plain to see the attraction with the worldly, sophisticated and urbane Elyot (Michael Loney) of his much younger, elegant but somewhat kittenish bride Sybil (Michelle Fornasier).
Her horrified reaction when she realises that his past has returned to haunt her is excellently portrayed, as is her total disintegration when she and her fellow victim of betrayal Victor (James Helm) camp uninvited at Amanda's Paris apartment after their flight.
Apart from a desire for some stability in her life, it is hard to see why the beautiful Amanda (Kirsty Hillhouse) has chosen this slightly stodgy new man, except of course he loves her.
James Helm is excellent as he prepares to engage in fisticuffs to fight for his rights, and also as he tries to comfort Sybil.
Rosemarie Lenzo delivers a gem in her brief appearance as Louise, the French cleaner-housemaid, bringing dark humour to an emotional situation. Her contempt for the foreign guests is delicious.
Director Marcelle Schmitz has succeeded in ensuring great performances from these characters who can't live with or without each other.
And who can ignore “the potency of cheap music” as Somewhere I'll Find You ripples in the background?
Private Lives is at Subiaco Arts Centre until December 10. Bookings at BOCS.