Lymington Players 
The Malt Theatre, Lymington
Carole Gadsby 
02 February 2026
I must mention the warm reception I received from the Front of House staff, the Producer, Kate Hall, and the Director, Ed Funnell, both took the time to greet me; I felt very welcome.
This is one play of Noel Coward’s I had never seen, therefore I needed to do a bit of research. I’ll Leave it to You is his first ever solo play that gave the 20-year-old Coward his first taste of West End success as a playwright over 100 years ago and still delighting theatre goers all over the world today. What a delightful rarity, happily revived by Lymington Players appropriately celebrating their centenary.
This was set in the immediate aftermath of the Great War and finds a family of young people and their distraught mother played by Amanda Harber caught short of money and prospects in the economic downturn. However, a mysterious aunt, superbly played by Sara Yarwood (this was a bit confusing as in the original it was an uncle) with a supposedly life-threatening malady and serious wealth through her mining interests in South America is soon to arrive and promise her entire fortune to the nephew or niece who carves out the best career for themselves.
The effect is fun and by the time Aunt Lydia next puts in an appearance both Bobbie, played by Seth Martin and Oliver, by Henry Edbrooke, had made their way in the world. Both made the parts their own and successfully contrasted each other with light hearted fun and frivolity. The three sisters, Sylvie, played by Vickie Sanford, was warm and kind, although a bit bossy; it was clear she loved her family. Evangeline, a bit tougher nevertheless, played her role well. Anya Bowker who played the teenager Joyce was petulant and young and was obviously having great fun playing the part.
Mrs Crombie, Sue Taylor, a not very nice lady was very convincing in her role as doting mother and wanting the best for her daughter. Bee Neal, who played Faith, was exceptional in just two weeks’ rehearsal and with book in hand managed to act and give all the necessary facial expressions. One has to mention Michael Robinson playing Griggs; he didn’t say much but his movement and facial expressions said it all. The maid who shuffled in and out, whose name is not in the programme, was funny every time she made an appearance.
The production was stage managed well, and the Production Team achieved a well-run performance. I was not sure personally about placing the play in the 80’s and the changing so much of what Noel Coward set out to do in his original production. Having said that, the audience seemed to enjoy it; I had a lovely evening and enjoyed everyone’s performance.
If you haven’t already done so, please go and purchase tickets and make your own mind up.
