Set in precarious times shortly before the French Revolution, Les Liaisons Dangereuses deliciously documents the cruel games and manipulation of a bored aristocracy. The central characters, The Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, two narcissistic rivals (and ex-lovers) use seduction as a vengeful weapon to socially control and exploit others. While these ruthless aristocrats toy with others’ hearts and reputations, their own may prove more fragile than they supposed..
"The design, setting, lighting and a blistering soundtrack, set the mood perfectly, and allow the cast to own the space and grow in character as the story builds. Blanche Dubois, faded Southern Belle, bankrupt, a fantasist and liar, a snob and hopelessly damaged, lands like a time bomb in her sister Stella’s New Orleans apartment. Brilliantly and convincingly played by Rosie Beattie, we understand totally why Blanche hides behind images of herself, and her path towards complete breakdown is heartbreakingly played. The object of her downfall is her brother in law Stanley, a dinosaur when it comes to women’s feelings. Liam Gregory ‘s excellent vocal range and characterisation dominated the stage, the tension between the two characters sparking into violence. Caught in the middle is Stella, played by Molly Scurrell, bringing a maturity to the role that holds the tension high. The ensemble is terrific, particularly Michael Cook giving a strong performance as the awkward, love struck, potential new beau to Blanche. Director Sally Scurrell gets right under the text and creates astonishing performances. Her genius idea, however, is having the ghost of Blanche’s one true love on stage with her at key moments. It makes such sense; it’s amazing it hasn’t been done before! Students will appreciate the power of naturalism, everyone else will get caught up in the tension and tragedy that builds like a symphony- a serious, not to be missed theatre experience.".
Paper Lantern normally perform each production at two venues. Sometimes the cast may change in certain roles.
Director Creative Assistant Set Design Lighting Design Lighting Operation Sound Design and Operation Stage Manager Set Construction Original 'Blue Piano' Music
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Sally Scurrell Rosie Beattie Darren Beattie Dan Scarlett (Scarlett Lighting) Rachel Doy Duncan Broatch Naamah Hill Clive Webb & Dick Bound Claire Bostock
Merteuil Madame Volanges Mademoiselle Volanges Collector/Allan Grey Stella Kowalski Stanley Kowalsk Harold 'Mitch' Mitchell Steve Pablo Doctor
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Rosie Beattie Charlotte Curtis Rosie Beattie Harry Totham Molly Scurrell Liam Gregory Mike Cook Paul Mann Colin Lee Bennett/Tom Hitchcock/Ben Cook Steve Wooldridge/Duncan Broatch/Clive Webb
Ruelle - Secrets and Lies Play Me Lhasa de Sela - Love came here Play Me Blue piano main theme - Original work by Claire Bostock Ry Cooder - Feelin' bad blues Play Me The Devil Makes Three - Aces and twos Play Me Jimmy Dorsey - Blue Champagne Play Me Mills Brothers - You Always Hurt the One You Love Play Me Rory Gallagher - What In The World Play Me Buddy Guy - Did Somebody Make A Fool Out Of You Play Me Smiley Lewis - Someday You'll Want Me Play Me Evil Woman - John Mayall & Peter Green Play Me Quincy Coleman - Want Me Back (Live Version) Play Me You Never Really Loved Me - Trampled Under Foot Play Me Otis Taylor - Rain So Hard Play Me Hannah Williams & The Tastemakers - Work it out Play Me B.B. King - I Gotta Move Out Of This Neighborhood Play Me Otis Taylor - House of crosses Play Me Lightnin Hopkins - Last Night Blues Play Me