I just got a first glimpse of the National Theatre’s new production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and it looks amazing! Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner are starring, and I’m already so excited to see it.
Tonight marks the grand reopening of “The Crown and Rivals,” with the cast dressed in stunning costumes. The play will be performed from Monday to Saturday until June 6th, and then will be broadcast to cinemas across the UK starting June 25th as part of the National Theatre Live program.
I recently learned that this story first started as a novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. Christopher Hampton adapted it into a play back in 1985, but surprisingly, it hasn’t been performed on stage in London very often – only twice, as far as I know!
This new production, called a “thrilling game of love, lies, and social maneuvering,” features a revised script and is being staged for the first time at the National Theatre. Here’s what it’s about:
Words have more influence than violence. In the wealthy elite’s social circles, men hold the power, and maintaining a good reputation is crucial – especially for women, as even a small mistake can have devastating consequences.
The Marquise de Merteuil is a skilled survivor who uses her wit and carefully planned actions to get what she wants.
These two skilled seducers, led by the charismatic Vicomte de Valmont, treat attraction like a game of strategy, using desire as a tool. However, when their partnership falls apart and they become rivals, their conflict puts everyone around them in danger.
Manville plays the Marquise de Merteuil, and Turner portrays the Vicomte, and newly released photos reveal important scenes between them. The images capture moments of both amusement and conflict as they scheme and control those around them.
In a recent Vogue interview, Turner discussed his character, explaining that despite appearing unlikeable, he believes the character possesses a good heart. He felt it would be unengaging to simply portray a villain, noting that ‘we see enough of that in real life,’ and clarified that the character isn’t a psychopath.
Joining them will be actors Monica Barbaro and Gabrielle Drake. The production also marks the return of director Marianne Elliott to the National Theatre after a nine-year absence.
The talented cast also includes Ishmail Aaron, Sharif Afifi, Curtis Angus, Charlotte Avery, Nandi Bhebhe, Lucia Chocarro, Liz Ewing, Ali Goldsmith, Darragh Hand, Georges Hann, Dianté Lodge, Katie Lusby, Amy Macken, Aisha Naamani, Bryony Pennington, Cat Simmons, and Hannah van der Westhuysen.
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2026-04-01 18:36