Siân Phillips and Robert Powell sweep onto the stage, she in a beautiful evening dress and jacket, he in a sharp suit and a brightly coloured tie. They look fabulous, and ready. The audience applaud feverishly. Expectation, for most, is high—thankfully, it is met.

I should confess that I am relatively ignorant regarding the works of Colette past the famous Gigi and have heard a little of her name and reputation. This is no way hindered my ability to enjoy the show, nor that of my equally unenlightened friend. As two early twenty-something observers, existing against the demographic grain for this show, there was a moment’s hesitance about the nature of this performance. It was like nothing else and it far surpassed any expectations.

Surprising, rhizomatic, poetic and robust, this piece leads its audience through descriptions of various characters from Colette’s works. It meanders through stories from her own life and that of her family and friends, through fiction and non-fiction, through sketches, critical observations and more.

Phillips and Powell are both superb. His character is of such warmth that it shines through each adopted voice or anecdote and her control is some sort of wizardry. Her poetic readings are the highlight of the show. They swell and excel in synchrony, each minor oral oscillation or small movement of the hand, pinch of the lip or paused breath, stealing the audience’s attention – perhaps stealing is the wrong word, but there is an unshakeable sense that each is engaged in (friendly, even unconscious) battle for our eyes

My friend suggested that she considered whether this piece might work best on radio, but later settled that, no, it needs to be staged. These readings are so vital, so emotive, so living and, in this form, better bolster Colette’s resurrection. Her words find renewed life in the mouths of actors as good as these.

If you ever get the chance, go and see this show. It does not matter if you do not know who Colette is, it does not matter if you are not a lover of literature, it certainly does not matter what age you are. If you love theatre, I cannot imagine that you will not love this. ★★★★★ Will Amott   16/02/15