Lettice and Lovage
Peter Shaffer may reputedly have written Lettice and Lovage for Dame Maggie Smith but had he written it 25 years later, perhaps he may have considered Selina Cadell for the honour.
Selina Cadell (Lettice Douffet), Jessica Turner (Lotte Schoen) and Michael Thomas (Mr Bardolph) in Lettice and Lovage at the Watermill, Newbury Photo: Mike Eddowes
In Lettice’s own words, Cadell is a frenzied “farrago” of enthusiastic ebullience.
Completely enveloped in the character of Lettice Douffet, she gives an excellent portrayal, exhausting to perform and highly enjoyable to observe. It’s a wordy role and, whilst there were a couple of minor slip ups on press night from a few cast members, the speed and intricacy of the script meant that it was easily glossed over and forgotten.
Impressive too is the set designed for this production by Andrew D Edwards, which emphasises the Romany influences of Douffet’s travelling past, using exotic fabrics in the simple yet highly effective confines of her basement flat. From the wood-panelled austerity of Fustian House and the dreary office of the Preservation Society, Edwards opens up the panelling with innovative skill.
Jessica Turner is a perfect stooge to Cadell’s wild theatricality, playing Lotte Schoen with the ascetic air of someone who is a victim of their own past, whose own passions have slowly been extinguished.
Helen Mallon is her dippy secretary Miss Framer and Michael Thomas plays Douffet’s hesitant lawyer.
If only all history lessons could be as much fun as this production.
Production information
- By:
- Peter Shaffer
- Management:
- Watermill Theatre
- Cast:
- Selina Cadell, Michael Thomas, Helen Mallon, Jessica Turner
- Director:
- Matthew Lloyd
- Design:
- Andrew D Edwards
Production information can change over the run of the show.
Run sheet
- Watermill Newbury
- February 20-March 24
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