Some plays just refuse to behave, and Dangerous Liaisons is one of them. Christopher Hampton’s Olivier-winning adaptation of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’s 1782 novel has been scandalizing audiences since 1985, and this season director Esther Jun brings it back to Stratford’s Festival Theatre. Uneven at times? Yes. Worth seeing anyway? Absolutely.
At the centre of the scheming are two former lovers, the Marquise de Merteuil (Jessica B. Hill) and the Vicomte de Valmont (Jesse Gervais), who treat seduction like a sport. Merteuil, furious at being dumped, challenges Valmont to ruin the virginal Cécile (Ashley Dingwell). Too easy, he says. Instead, he sets his sights on the upright Madame de Tourvel (Celia Aloma).
The fun here lies in the performances. Hill is a delight — elegant, razor-sharp, and abnormally funny. Watching her advise poor Cécile on the “joys” of liberation is one of the evening’s highlights. Gervais exudes charm, but it’s the kind with a poisonous bite. His voice alone could seduce a room, and he wields it like a weapon. Together, they make the gamesmanship feel dangerous.
Among the supporting cast, Dingwell makes Cécile’s awkward innocence believable, and Leon Qin brings spark to her earnest suitor. Stratford veteran Seana McKenna, as Valmont’s aunt, adds just the right knowing touch — fun fact, she played Merteuil in Stratford’s 2010 production.
Visually, the show is all bold strokes. Teresa Przybylski’s mirrored sets move with ease, and A.W. Nadine Grant’s costumes are over-the-top, if not historically accurate. Anita Nittoly stages a terrific duel, beautifully lit by Arun Srinivasan. If there’s a weak link, it’s the music — repetitive and grating at times — but it doesn’t derail the viewer’s ride.
Jun calls the play a “cautionary tale of moral decay.” Maybe. But honestly? It’s best enjoyed as a guilty pleasure — scandalous, funny, and just a little too entertaining to take seriously.
Dangerous Liaisons runs at Stratford’s Festival Theatre until October 25, 2025.
Trina Stewart is the Editor and Publisher of Living Local Magazine. Originally from Cambridge, Ontario, Trina loves exploring the area and embracing the activities, events, and local businesses.
