Design for living (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Three stylish friends who share rivalrous affections attempt to uncoil their twisted love triangle in this sexy and scandalous gem. Written in 1932, the play was deemed extremely daring and even by today's standards is considered controversial in its frank and funny take on sex, love and commitment, proving to be one of Coward's greatest successes. Directed by Michael Hackett.

Starring: Michelle Arthur, Claire Forlani, Thomas Hildreth, Hamish Linklater, Tim Monsion, Sarah Rafferty, and Douglas Weston --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

About the Author

Noel Coward (1899-1973) was British playwright, actor, composer and director whose name was become synonymous with urbanity, sophistication, incomparable wit and certain sentimentality. His career as a professional actor began at age twelve and his first theatrical success as a write came in 1924 with highly controversial play The Vortex. He frequently took leading roles in his plays. His many triumphs include Fallen Angeles, Hay Fever, Private Lies, Present Laughter and many more. His Major films include the romantic masterpiece Brief Encounter (1946) and In Which We Serve (1942) for which he was director, actor and producer. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Davis-Poynter Ltd (1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0706700309
• ISBN-13: 978-0706700305
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,878,357 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Noel Coward Showcase, January 11, 2005

By	Gary F. Taylor "GFT" (Biloxi, MS USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Noel Coward (1899-1973) is best recalled for his sparkling yet acid-etched comedies, and the 1933 DESIGN FOR LIVING is among the best, easily ranking alongside such titles as HAY FEVER, BLITHE SPIRIT, and PRIVATE LIVES. Specifically written to be performed by Coward and the celebrated husband-wife acting team Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, the play depicts the frequently bizarre, overly dramatic, and wickedly funny romantic tangles that arise between artist Otto, playwright Leo, and Gilda--the woman who loves them both.

Although a popular ticket on both the London and New York stage, at the time DESIGN FOR LIVING was widely condemned as both amoral and immoral--and even today a production is likely to raise eyebrows. Gilda has been inspiration for both Otto and Leo, but she wavered romantically, finally settling on Otto... until an evening on the town puts Leo in her bed. But this is merely the opening situation; as the play unfolds, the various relationships shift time and time again, implying emotional and physical relationships both expected and unexpected, and the play concludes on an ambiguous note, leaving us to wonder who has, who is, and who will be sleeping with who.

Although clever lines abound, DESIGN FOR LIVING is less noted for the sparkling Noel Coward wit that characterizes such plays as BLITHE SPIRIT than it is for the unexpected characters and situations it creates. This is truly an "actor's show" that places huge demands on the players' talents, and it makes for a truly fascinating read. Strongly recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer
In memory of Cujo, 1992-2005
An Orange Cat and a Dear and Faithful Companion, Greatly Missed