WHEN Noel Coward's The Marquise opened in London in 1927, it was a mild success.

And although the current cast in Bill Kenwright's production put up a good fight it still doesn't make for scintillating theatre.

However, the story of latent love, abandoned children, and forced marriage is given a big lift by the on-stage presence of Kate O'Mara, who carries the role of The Marquise Eloise De Kestournel with everything her years of smouldering experience have taught her.

Best known for a string of television roles (Dynasty, Howards' Way, The Brothers and Triangle), she has a more than respectable catalogue of theatre behind her - as well as four books. Eloise may not be one of Coward's best roles, but she makes more than the best of it.

A tale of dual suitors - Denis Lill as The Compte Raoul de Vriaac and Michael Jayston as Esteban - gives rise to some lovely verbal sparring between middle-aged men, who reflect on their debauched youth and are prepared to fight for love, whatever the time of day.

Zoie Kennedy, whose career path seems to have been on a constant incline since leaving Weobley, puts in a colourful performance as the daughter, Adrienne, although there's something a little contemporary about her.

Overall, it's a cast where the older members teach the younger a trick or two. Stephen Chance as Hubert and Jenny Tomasin as Alice giving terrifically believable portraits of servant and maid.

A sumptuous set depicting 18th century French life and the musical interludes are wistful.

Julie Harries