Private Lives an Intimate Comedy in Three Acts

Private Lives is a three-act play written by Noel Coward. The play was first performed in 1930 and has since become a classic of modern British theatre. The story revolves around the tumultuous relationship between two ex-spouses, Elyot and Amanda, who unexpectedly meet while on their respective honeymoons with their new partners. Despite their previous acrimonious split, the two find themselves drawn back together and reignite their passionate love affair. However, their reunion is not without its complications, and the couple is forced to confront the consequences of their impulsive actions. The play is known for its witty dialogue, sophisticated humor, and exploration of the complexities of love and human relationships. It is a timeless comedy that continues to captivate audiences with its sharp observations and enduring appeal.1930. Noel Coward's brilliant wit, barbed humor and clear, uncompromising eye for human foibles is clearly revealed in his masterpiece Private Lives. The two central characters in the play are Elyot and Amanda, divorced, aging upper-class lovers who cannot live with or without each other. The artfully constructed, consciously contrived plot has them unknowingly sharing a terrace in a French resort hotel where they have both gone on honeymoon with their new, young and intellectually-challenged spouses. Horrified by the unexpected coincidence, the older lovers urge their new mates to join them in immediate flight, pleas instantly rejected by the resentful younger pair who individually storm off to dinner alone. Side-by-side on the terrace, Amanda and Elyot realize they still love each other and flee together to Paris. They are pursued there by their abandoned mates and the repercussions are hilarious.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.