Les Liaisons Dangereuses
written by Christopher Hampton
directed by Julian Toy-Cronin
15 to 24 March 2012 at 8pm
Matinees Sunday 18 and Saturday 24 March at 2pm
No show Monday 19 March
Two long-time friends and former lovers, poised at the top of 18th-century French aristocracy, devise elaborate schemes to test their skills as lovers and masters of manipulation and embark on their greatest conquests yet. However, there are always consequences for those who seek to play the puppet master. Les Liaisons Dangereuses evokes the grandeur and debauchery of pre-revolutionary France. This dark romantic comedy is laced with deliciously decadent seduction, plenty of illicit passion and scorned lovers seeking revenge.
Originally staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1985, it has played on the West End and Broadway, including a revival in 2008. The play was also adapted to the film Dangerous Liaisons in 1988. Notable actors to have played Merteuil include Lindsay Duncan, Glenn Close and Laura Linney. Alan Rickman and John Malkovich have been among those to play Valmont.
Cast
Mme la Marquise de Merteuil
Mme de Volanges
Cecile Volanges
Merteuil’s Majordomo
Le Vicomte de Valmont
Azolan
Mme de Rosemonde
Mme de Tourvel
Emilie
Chevalier Danceny
Footman 1
Footman 2
Contains language, adult themes and partial nudity that may offend.