Play Without Words,

Jenni Carroll

'SEXUAL intercourse', wrote Philip Larkin in his Annus Mirabilis, 'began In nineteen sixty-three'.

But while it may have been too late for Mr Larkin there were plenty of people enjoying the sexual revolution - just ask John Profumo.

The start of the sixties, after Chatterley ban but before the summer of love, it was a mixed up time. Britain was still dominated by its outdated class system, a major concern in most dealings, but what on earth happened when two people from different classes actually fancied each other?

Matthew Bourne's Play Without Words explores that concept. Inspired by the 1963 film The Servant it is set in the suave setting of Anthony's new house in Chelsea. The arrival of his new manservant, Prentice changes their lives forever and reveals a surprising truth about love.

Play Without Words is more than just dance, it is precisely what its title suggests, a play or a story told through movement rather than using words. The choreography in the play is spellbinding, but it is more than a dance performance. It doesn't rely on dance to tell the tale; there are no big ensemble pieces, solos or duets. Instead it tells the tale of Anthony and his fiance Glenda through any means other than dialogue.

It is sexy, funny and chic and I defy anybody not to enjoy this unforgettable tale of love, loss and betrayal. It is hard to believe that throughout the one hour 40 minute performance, not one word was spoken.