For sheer magnificence of dialogue, Noel Coward’s Design For Living is in a class of its own. And it is pure delight to see fine character acting from the cast of Michael Attenborough’s revival at the Palace Theatre, Watford. Maureen Lipman lends a good deal of charm and emotional depth to the character of Gilda, who is at the centre of the love triangle. She handles well the explosive poetic outbursts and the dilemma facing the woman torn between two lovers. Jeremy Clyde as Leo and Simon Jones as Otto complement each other in the two central male leads, and make a formidable double act. Their individual interpretations of the characters are very memorable.

Hugh Sullivan as Earnest also gives a very credible and dynamic performance as the man who is perplexed by the mania of the main characters and becomes the casualty for Gilda’s never-ending flirting. Fine comic relief is provided by Yvonne D’Alpra in her part as the shocked housekeeper Miss Hodge and similarly by Lloyd Anderson as the valet, Matthew. Richard Latham, Edward Wiley, Ann Windsor and Dulcie Huston provide splendid character parts in a play that travels to different capitals of the world for each scene.The excellent sets are by Joe Vanek. Design For Living is a play about words and verbal seduction and intrigue is the key to its success. The pleasure the actors have for uttering these delightful discourses ensures that Michael Attenborough has a theatrical success on his hands.