France at the time was divided starkly between the wealthy and everyone else; no doubt in 1789 there was a readjustment  The aristocracy, with little to occupy them, filled their days with gossip, intrigue, and clandestine affairs. Lovers exchanged letters in secrecy, forgetting the permanence of the written word. For Valmont, seduction is a sport, and emotional consequences are irrelevant. To one of his conquests, who genuinely loves him, he can only reply, “It’s beyond my control.”

Aidan Turner is a strong choice for Valmont, charismatic, attractive, and entirely believable in the role. Lesley Manville, who has played several parts in this play over the years, is completely at ease as the Marquise. Director Marianne Elliott keeps close to Hampton’s text and the spirit of Laclos, though the production does run long at three hours.

This is a solid, well‑acted production – with a few weaker minor roles – and its message about the consequences of one’s actions is clearly delivered. For me, however, the standout feature is the staging: inventive, elegant, and consistently engaging.