1930. Deauville, France. Two newly-married couples occupy adjoining honeymoon suites in the same hotel. As a distant orchestra plays, Sibyl gazes adoringly at charismatic husband Elyot, while Victor admires his new wife, the vivacious and sophisticated Amanda.

Champagne flows and the sea shimmers in the moonlight as the newlyweds prepare for the evening ahead. But when Amanda overhears a familiar voice singing a forgotten song, an old spark reignites, with spectacular consequences.

Full of razor-sharp wit and quick-fire dialogue, Private Lives is Noël Coward’s most popular and enduring stage comedy. Extraordinarily written in only three days, Private Lives opened at London’s Phoenix Theatre in August 1930 to packed houses. Since then, this charming comedy of manners has retained its remarkable appeal, captivating audiences all over the world.

"The way Noel Coward writes is incredibly addictive as an actor," says Olivia Beardsley who will be playing Sibyl when Private Lives comes to Mold's Theatr Clwyd next week.

"His way with words, the comic timing within the phrases and the ability to write it so that it sounds so natural when spoken is a gift.

"Having spent the last year playing more emotionally weighty parts I was excited to play a part that took me to very different territory and that thrived on audience response and reaction, almost as if the audience were another character. And also it’s just a really fun and enjoyable play."

A recent graduate from the Drama Studio in Ealing, Olivia, 28, has already appeared in a number of plays, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the cult horror film The Babadook as well as playing Dusty Springfield in in 'Dusty The Musical'.

"I love Sybil," she says. "She is the most perfect mix of vulnerability, naivety and femininity however she is also completely ridiculous at times.

"Bubbling away under the surface is always a sense of restraint which feels like a mask on top of a woman pushed into a mould but secretly dying to let loose.

"She is an absolute joy to play and every night I find new things within her and how she looks at the world, the other characters, herself and her reactions. She’s crazy and changeable and I love her."

Private Lives, one of Coward’s most popular and enduring plays, was allegedly written in only three days. Why do you think this play is so popular?

"Because it captures what people are like when they are in their most private states," replies Olivia. "That fascinating world between the seen and the unseen, the mask we put on for the public and the truth beneath when we are alone.

"I think it’s fascinating as well that we always think of the past in a very rose tinted way, but really, people in 1930 behaved in private much like we do now, there was still intrigue and drama. It’s fascinating to feel like you’re let in on a secret, the private moments of peoples lives."

Olivia was born in the UK but has also lived in Australia and she enjoyed the chance to practise upper class Received Pronunciation.

"The dialogue is fast paced throughout the play to capture Cowards original vision of this work," she says.

"Reflecting this, vocally our warm ups each day are vigorous to make sure that we are clear and understandable in all the different venues we play to."

The play, directed by Michael Cabot of the London Classic Theatre, is touring to 17 venues around the UK which is something of a new experience for Olivia.

"This is my second touring production," she adds. 2My first was also with London Classic Theatre with ‘The Collector’.

"I think touring theatre is very important. It allows for theatre to be accessible to everyone, not just those within the big cities. A great play or musical can change your life and no one should be denied that feeling.

"I hope that our audiences leave the theatre having had a wonderfully entertaining evening, that they felt a part of the experience and story alongside us and that maybe, their sides ache just a little bit from laughter."

Private Lives runs from March 20-24 at 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinees on March 22 and 24. Tickets, from £10, are available from 01352 701521 or theatrclwyd.com