The National Theatre’s new production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, a dramatic exploration of seduction and deceit within the upper echelons of late 18th-century France, showcases Lesley Manville in a striking red silk gown and embroidered mask, ready for a ball, reports BritPanorama.
Manville’s presence captivates the audience as she surveys the 1,000 spectators in the Lyttelton auditorium, setting the stage for a three-hour journey into the lives of complex characters. Aidan Turner is also poised to join her on stage, promising a series of intimate exchanges that highlight the unique thrill of live theatre.
This live experience, marked by its immediacy and unpredictability, remains unmatched by film and television, drawing top talent back to the stage time after time. Theatre demands a level of skill that presents no opportunity for retakes or adjustments, solidifying its place as “proper” acting in a dynamic, pulsating environment where the show must go on.
As the narrative unfolds, Manville’s character, the Marquise de Merteuil, ultimately faces the consequences of her manipulations, appearing both tricked and dignified in an ivory satin gown adorned with diamonds.
When the final scene concludes, applause fills the auditorium, often escalating into a standing ovation. The thrill of live performance, with its immediate feedback, delivers a satisfaction that no cinematic endeavor can replicate. Each night brings that rush of appreciation, a stark contrast to the lengthy editing processes seen in film production.
While larger budgets in film often translate to higher actor salaries, the passion for stage performance drives many, like Turner, who previously gained recognition from BBC’s Poldark, and Manville, whose Oscar nomination for Phantom Thread elevated her career. Both actors will continue their engagement on the South Bank until 6 June, demonstrating their craft through complex scenes filled with emotion and action.
‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses’ is at the National Theatre until 6 June.
