Relatives Values
June marks the anniversary of the opening of Relative Values in 1951. This time we’re looking at the evolution of the play and the rehearsal process as seen through Coward’s diary:
Thursday 23rd March
Suddenly evolved a comedy called Moxie. It feels the sort of play I want to write – worked it out with Joyce.
Monday 26th March
Eight pages done of Moxie and rather good. The flow is beginning, and oh, the bliss of writing dialogue after prose.
Sunday 1st April
Finished the first act. I have decided to change the title from Moxie to Relative Values.
Wednesday 18th April
Finished the play. Read it through complete to Joyce and Cole – it really sounded very good – it is not too long and I am sure has entertainment value.
Thursday 10th May
Cable from Joyce saying that Binkie and Jack were genuinely enthusiastic about Relative Values.
Wednesday 6th June
… Read Relative Values to Lynn and Alfred, who were genuinely crazy about it – no criticism at all – I was very thrilled and pleased.
Thursday 7th June
Three hours with Binkie talking about Relative Values – everything he said was sensible and, I think, right. He wants it in three acts instead of two and strengthened here and there…
Then went to Gladys and told her, as I had discussed with Binkie, the news that I would be having a new set-up for Relative Values. She behaved superbly, as always and I believe in her secret heart she is relieved.
Thursday 30th August
… looked at Michael Relph’s designs for the Relative Values set.
Monday 17th September
Rehearsed all day. Everyone going to be good … Difficult to arrange the moves owing to the shape of the set.
Thursday 27nd September
Disastrous rehearsal owing to Gladys knowing less and less. I am really getting worried. She faffs and stammers and we can never open on Monday fortnight as things are now.
Monday 8th October
… Had restrained showdown with her and in the afternoon she was much better.
Tuesday 9th October
Gladys really trying hard and I have to admit that, angry as I am with her for not learning the play as I asked her to, she is so good an actress that I have to forgive her.
Monday 15th October
Play a triumphant success… tremendous ovation at the end.
Wednesday 28th November
The play went triumphantly. There was a terrific ovation at the end but mercifully no speeches… Whatever the press may say, I think the play is a big success.
Thursday 29th Nov
Well, well, what a surprise! Rave notices.
