The False Servant
Opened 1 June 2004
Written: by Pierre Marivaux, in a new version by Martin Crimp
Directed: Jonathan Kent
Cast: David Shaw-Parker (Frontin), Adrian Scarborough (Trivelin ), Nancy Carroll (The Chevalier), Anthony Calf (Lelio ), David Collings (Arlequin), Charlotte Rampling (The Countess),
Synopsis: Lust and avarice trample on the finer feelings of love in this subversive take on sexual manners and the cruelties of courtship. The man thinks that marriage is simply a matter of money and property. But just how far should the woman go to prove him wrong?
What the critics had to say.....
NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "A rich pleasure" MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "Kent's production is slow to get started, but it wrings every last sexual nuance out of the key encounters." BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "A brilliant, cynical scary play that justifies every British prejudice about French sophistication and avarice." CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Thrills, chills, and belly laughs - this addictively adult comedy has got the lot." ALSTAIR MACAULAY for THE FINANCIAL TIMES "Adrian Scarborough as the satiric servant Trivelin, brilliant.." PAUL TAYLOR for THE INDEPENDENT says, "A deeply satisfying evening."
External links to full reviews from popular press
The Guardian
The Times
Daily Telegraph
The Independent
Production photo by Ivan Kyncl
Originally published on