FromeDrama presents Les Liaisons Dangereuses

FROMEDRAMA are very excited about their coming production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses to be performed at the Merlin Theatre at the end of the month. 

Les Liaisons Dangereuses first burst onto the scene as an RSC stage play in 1985. It is a brilliantly theatrical play packed with wonderfully layered characters that sparkle with wit. 

Famous as the Oscar-winning film Dangerous Liaisons it examines the corruption and cruelty at the top of a louche society about to vaporise in the cauldron of the French Revolution, a society of sexual politics, power games and revenge.  

It is directed by John Palmer, who gave us the Dennis Potter Double Bill, and the online play Terminus. John says, “Set in the salons of the aristocracy in pre-revolutionary France, and sumptuously dressed and bewigged, our production explores this corrupt and cruel society through the stories of its lead protagonists. Sex is a weapon; confidences are ammunition for blackmail and cynicism trumps sincerity. No-one can stop the irresistible Merteuil. Or can they? Come and see what the fuss is about.” 

Back stage there is much work going on – there will be some fabulous costumes and wigs, live music and a very contemporary and unusual set, all of it transporting you to 18th Century France. 

There is a very strong cast with some FromeDrama regulars and some newcomers. 

Sue Ross (Blue Remembered Hills) says, “I play Madame de Merteuil.  The villainess of the piece and a woman who hides her true intent at every opportunity, adapting her outward persona to suit the occasion and her motives without scruple.  She is a rich widow in a man’s world, who maintains her position (and amuses herself) through the art of unscrupulous manipulation. She is vengeful, cruel, and determined to maintain her sexual freedom and spotless reputation in a man’s world regardless of the cost.  I’m still looking for her redeeming feature. She’s a real piece of work, let there be no mistake!” 

Laurie Parnell (The Weir) who plays Vicomte de Valmont says, “Suave, sophisticated, intelligent and charming, Valmont is also deeply immoral. He is devoted to the pursuit of pleasure, and, with his confidante and former lover, the Marquise de Merteuil, relishes the intrigues and deceptions they practise in pursuit of their sexual conquests. He likes to set himself a challenge, and doesn’t care how many hearts he breaks, or reputations he destroys.” 

Rosie Allerhand (also in The Weir) plays the role of Emilie who is a courtesan favoured by Valmont. She only makes two minor appearances, but one of them is pretty memorable – but Rosie says, “You’ll have to wait and see to find out why! Despite being considered one of the ‘underclasses’ Emilie is extremely confident and self-possessed and is not intimidated by social hierarchies. She enjoys her work and makes sure she gets what she wants from her clients. She is a fun role to play being one of the few members of the cast who isn’t a victim.” 

A newcomer to FromeDrama Serena Dunlop plays Cecile Volanges, a teenage girl who has just finished her cloistered convent education. She is innocent, unworldly and naive, preyed upon by Merteuil and Valmont. Cécile has been promised in marriage to the Comte de Gercourt, but falls in love with her music teacher the Chevalier Danceny. Under the guise of helping the young lovers out, Merteuil and Valmont manipulate Cécile, and Valmont’s successful seduction of Cécile ultimately leads to her heartbreak and ruin.  

Harry Harman who plays Danceny, thinks you should all come and bring your friends. He says, “Liaisons is a stunning and gripping drama, juicy with intrigue, tension and derring-do. For me the relationships between the characters is the most fascinating aspect, and this is heightened by an amazing cast. 

“I can guarantee the audience will be gripped from start to end. And also… theatre is back! How exciting is that?!” 

Les Liaisons Dangereuses is at the Merlin Theatre 31st March and 1st & 2nd April. Tickets £12/10 from www.merlintheatre.co.uk  

Photos by Mike Witt.