A star rating of 4 out of 5.
The story of Dangerous Liaisons has been retold in many forms, including TV shows, a Korean historical film, and the popular 90s movie Cruel Intentions. Now, a new version is here: a revival of Christopher Hampton’s 1984 stage adaptation, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, at the National Theatre.
Bringing a classic story back to life often tells us a lot about the times we live in. So, what message does this new version send in 2026?
Is this story a warning about lying in a world where truth seems less important? A critique of the frivolous lives of the very wealthy? Or is it just a chance to enjoy watching the talented Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner share a thrilling, seductive dance of words and trickery?
Whatever your interpretation, this much is sure: you are in for a wickedly sumptuous show.
Marianne Elliott’s 2026 production at the National Theatre creates a striking effect through contrasts. Beautiful, detailed costumes stand out against a bare stage surrounded by mirrors. This unsettling combination makes the audience feel uneasy and draws attention to themes of self-obsession and the feeling of being trapped by one’s own identity.
Hampton’s screenplay closely follows Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’s 1782 novel, Les Liaisons Dangereuses. The story centers on the Marquise de Merteuil (played by Manville) and the Vicomte de Valmont (played by Turner), two wealthy former lovers who engage in manipulative games and affairs as a form of entertainment.
The story quickly becomes a dangerous dance of attraction, involving both Cécile de Volanges (Hannah van der Westhuysen) and Madame de Tourvel (Monica Barbaro). The script, written by Hampton, is filled with tension, and every line feels charged with hidden desires and suggestive meaning.
Much of the emotional intensity is skillfully shown through dance. Choreographer Tom Jackson Greaves uses graceful and expressive movements to convey feelings of pain and desire when dialogue isn’t enough.
Aidan Turner and Lesley Manville deliver captivating performances with a strong undercurrent of sexual tension, likely to make audiences both blush and chuckle. They fully embrace their flawed, mischievous characters, and Turner, in particular, is hilarious as a charmingly deceptive rogue.
The attraction between the two characters is undeniable, much like the easy connection Turner creates with every lover he pursues as the charming but morally questionable Vicomte de Valmont.
The play isn’t just lighthearted fun. Like the source material, it also explores serious themes, including the unequal power dynamics between men and women, and features a strong, independent female lead. Act Two takes a notably darker direction.
Though the story doesn’t explicitly focus on class differences, costume designer Natalie Roar powerfully illustrates the gap between social classes through the unsettling outfits of the maids. These servants, dressed with covered heads and restricted movement, appear ghostly and foreshadow the revolution that would occur ten years after the story was written.
At nearly three hours long, this play is a significant commitment, but it’s an incredibly worthwhile experience you won’t want to skip.
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When and where can I see Les Liaisons Dangereuses?
You can currently see ‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses’ at the Lyttelton Theatre, located within the National Theatre complex on the Southbank.
Shows will be running until 6 June 2026.
How to get Les Liaisons Dangereuses tickets
I’m so excited about this, and if you’re thinking of going, I’d suggest getting your tickets from TodayTix right away! They’re selling fast, and I wouldn’t want you to miss out.
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2026-04-02 16:04