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perditism's review
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“we’re all of a piece, the three of us.”
Coward bites dysfunctional relationships to the quick; dragging the glittery, putrid entrails of love in its most unconventional forms, he adorns his witty dialogue with the lot. Highly recommend the Lubitsch’s 1933 adaptation, by the way - pre-code goodness with my favorite bit on “gentlemen agreements”.
Coward bites dysfunctional relationships to the quick; dragging the glittery, putrid entrails of love in its most unconventional forms, he adorns his witty dialogue with the lot. Highly recommend the Lubitsch’s 1933 adaptation, by the way - pre-code goodness with my favorite bit on “gentlemen agreements”.
cariadreads's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
uncreativeoops's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Very pretentious characters but I loved them, and their dynamic was really fascinating, especially because it's pretty unusual at least in fiction. It is a comedy but topics like unconvential ways of living, being in love with more than one person, and acceptance were quite sincere. The ending and message was actually pretty wholesome and this could totally be turned into a queer feelgood romcom.
radioheadgirl's review against another edition
3.0
7/10 play, I liked it concluding with egregious laughter
elizabethlk's review
3.0
I'll be honest, I watched the Lubitsch film Design for Living recently and really loved it, so I've been wanting to read the play. I went for the LA Theater Works recording so I could enjoy a quality performance as well. I went in knowing that the two were different and was surprised at just how different. I honestly enjoy the movie more, but the play is still an enjoyable experience. It didn't blow me away but it's solid enough.
miguelafonso_serra's review against another edition
4.0
Noel Coward uses his wit again to present us the love life of three pretentious artists who should have known the solution for their troubles much sooner.
The play was published in 1932 and it's definitely waaay ahead of its time, portraying a polyamourous relationship in a modern society, even though sometimes it still shows some old-fashioned traits about the way society sees woman and what they must be in order to be "respectful". I kind of see a few of Oscar Wilde's vibe in Coward's work, due to its wittiness and sense of humor. If you're into that, you will definitely enjoy his works.
The play was published in 1932 and it's definitely waaay ahead of its time, portraying a polyamourous relationship in a modern society, even though sometimes it still shows some old-fashioned traits about the way society sees woman and what they must be in order to be "respectful". I kind of see a few of Oscar Wilde's vibe in Coward's work, due to its wittiness and sense of humor. If you're into that, you will definitely enjoy his works.
dejunker's review against another edition
4.0
It’s a play about polymorphism before it was widely discussed (not that it’s widely discussed now but the fact I know the term). It’s somewhat predictable but seeing the role of Gilda performed well would be a treat since she is nuanced.
izzyeb2310's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Alcohol
Minor: Biphobia
msand3's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars Noël Coward's risqué comedy about a bisexual ménage à trois is dated, and surely doesn't come off as funny as if viewed on stage. There are some clever one-liners in this light comedy, but Coward doesn't attempt to make any larger statements about the structure of relationships or the fluidity of romantic love. The play doesn't challenge social norms as much as it flaunts a fantasy scenario in which these social norms don't even exist, a clever way to be "risqué" without directly grappling with the issues being satirized. Ernst Lubitsch's pre-Code film adaptation--which pretty much shares a title with Coward's play and nothing more--is far more memorable.
evedartley's review against another edition
5.0
excellent! I adore this play - a wonderful relic of queer theatre history, and impressively written to avoid suspicion while still delivering to a modern audience. I’ll stop here to avoid spoilers, but a truly amazing play to read!