LOVE and hate are two closely linked emotions in Private Lives, Nol Coward's witty play about the romantic exploits of wealthy socialites.

It's 1930s France and divorcees Elyot and Amanda are honeymooning with their new spouses when they discover they are staying in adjacent hotel rooms.

Love reignites and they run away to Paris but the arguments that led them to split in the first place resume.

Their jilted partners track them down to find them fighting tooth and nail.

Although Amanda is a self-important snob, Belinda Lang manages to draw the audience to her character during the tender moments she shares with her ex-husband.

The play is at its funniest when Amanda and Elyot (Julian Wadham) are in their Paris love-nest, dancing the tango in pyjamas and during their ridiculous fight.

Mary Stockley is excellent as Elyot's spoilt bride, Sybil, who becomes worldlier as the story progresses.

The anticipation of Sybil and Amanda's strait-laced new husband, Victor (Robert Portal), walking in on her and Elyot fighting is almost unbearable.

Laugh out loud moments and fabulous costumes make Private Lives a hit, but it also offers something more substantial in its reflection on relationships.

It shows until tomorrow (Saturday).

JO LAFFERTY