The Vortex

Synopsis

England in the 1920s - the post-War party is in full swing, the English are living life to the full and the enchanting if middle-aged Florence remains a sparkling beauty on the fashionable scene. When her son Nicky returns from Paris with a secret, the veneer of charm and decadence begins to disintegrate as guilty truths are confronted... The Vortex created a notorious sensation when premiered in 1924 with its brave depiction of the darkness behind the dazzle of the Bright Young Things. Noel Coward's career was launched by this compelling, stylish story of the jazz generation dancing its way into a whirlwind of desire and deceit.

Our Review:

23 January 2007

Pop star Will Young is taking a real gamble making his professional stage acting debut, and even more so in taking on a character like rich and misunderstood musician Nicky Lancaster in Noel Coward’s savage 1924 play about London cocktail society. The Vortex (the title refers to the "youth vortex of beastliness") launched the then 25-year-old Coward’s career as a playwright and leading man.

Boldly stepping into Coward’s shoes, Young delivers a much better performance than you have any right to expect. It’s not an easy role to carry off. But, while Young displays a considerable amount of charm and bite, in equal measure, he fails to muster any sympathy for his character’s situation and resultant inner turmoil.

Though privileged, Nicky is desperately unhappy. His mother Florence is a sophisticated but shallow, party-loving woman. Her predilection for the company of toyboy young men leaves her husband emasculated and emotionless. And her son doesn’...

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Latest User Review

195.93.21.37) - 3 February 2007:

brilliant well done everyone especially the wonderful mr will young...

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