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Drama on 4: The Better Half

The Better Half

03/01/2011

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, The Better Half

Samuel West, Lisa Dillon and Federay Holmes in Noel Coward's unconventional marital comedy

Samuel West, Lisa Dillon and Federay Holmes star in Noel Coward's surprisingly modern comedy of marital disharmony. A wife's selflessness may conceal a hidden agenda.

This delicious comedy of marital disharmony was written when its young author, Noel Coward, was 22 years old. Rediscovered after nearly 90 years, the play was originally considered too 'racy' for public performance, since it deals - in part - with the subject of female sexual desire. 

'The Better Half' is a devastatingly accomplished relationship comedy, focusing on a husband, wife and her best friend. In an unusual psychological ploy the unhappy wife (Federay Holmes) encourages the husband (Samuel West) to leave her to pursue a happier connection with her friend (Lisa Dillon.) But the wife's apparent selflessness may conceal a hidden agenda. Even now the play is surprisingly unconventional, cannily perceptive - and funny. The author himself makes an unexpected appearance as a typically witty musical narrator.

Cast: 
Husband ..... Samuel West
Friend ..... Lisa Dillon
Wife ..... Federay Holmes


Producer/Director: Martin Jarvis
A Jarvis & Ayres Production for BBC Radio 4.

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