Review: The Rat Trap, Park Theatre

Sheila (Lily Nichol) and Keld (Ewan Miller) are optimistic as they embark on married life together. They’re both writers, and their partnership is a meeting of minds as much as anything else — but anyone can tell you that when two ambitious, creative individuals marry, there is bound to be conflict.

Taking place over just under two years, The Rat Trap follows the couple as they move in together and deal with the various ups and downs of their careers and relationship. Sheila’s career is the more successful at first, but Keld insists on taking the study in their home. Arguments soon arise, each accusing the other of jealousy and a lack of respect for their work. Sheila, after a bitter fight, decides that the only way to save their marriage is for her to, as she sees it, sacrifice her intellect and lean into domestic life.

As one of Coward’s earliest plays — written when he was just 18 — The Rat Trap is, perhaps above all else, a fascinating look into the nascent career of such a prolific and celebrated playwright. Coward is known for his dark, biting comedy, but The Rat Trap is more dark than biting. His insights into the pressures that married life put on women at the time (and, to an extent, still does today) are striking, especially coming from someone so young.

In this version of the play, ‘reimagined’ by Bill Rosenfield, much of the original dialogue has been edited. It’s a tactful and thoughtful treatment of the text. Rather than feeling like a disingenuous facsimile, it offers valuable insight into how reimagining can become a collaborative process across decades.

The cast are adept in their handling of the material, hitting the snappy comedic beats as confidently as the knife-twist asides. The pain in Nichol’s eyes when her fragile marriage is in peril is palpable, especially within the small confines of Park 200 at Park Theatre.

Coward is particularly skilful at writing pathetic, neurotic men — something that Miller fully embodies. There appears to be a nod to Andrew Scott’s performance in the Old Vic’s Present Laughter (2019), particularly in certain movements and mannerisms.

While the production lacks a certain zip at times, and some scene transitions drag a little, the care that has been taken to bring The Rat Trap back to the stage is deeply commendable. A strong cast and an engaging, still-timely plot make this a joy for any Coward fan — and a warning to anyone thinking of dating their career peers.

Written by: Noel Coward
Reimagined by: Bill Rosenfield
Directed by: Kirsty Patrick Ward
Produced by: Ashley Cook for Troupe
Set and Costume Design by: Libby Watson
Lighting Design by: Jamie Platt
Sound Design and Composer: Ed Lewis
Movement Director: Ingrid Mackinnon
Fight Director: Claire Llewellyn for Rc-Annie
Costume Supervisor: Caroline Hannam

The Rat Trap plays at the Park Theatre until Saturday 14 March.