What an interesting concept! Having only seen the 1958 movie, I had no idea that the original Separate Tables was written for two actors to double up on roles and show their acting range. I did know it was based on two Terence Rattigan one-acts, and that Hollywood merged them into one comprehensive story. The first act deals only with the Burt Lancaster/Rita Hayworth reconnection, and the second with the scandal of David Niven and Deborah Kerr's reaction to it. It's incredibly interesting (not to mention great fun for the actors) to have one actor play both Lancaster and Niven's roles, and one actress doll up for Hayworth and dress down for Kerr.
In this filmed live production, Alan Bates and Julie Christie collaborate for their dual roles. They have wonderful chemistry together, and with four films under their belts, we can hope they were friends and enjoyed working with one another. I loved seeing the physical transformation of Julie, with hair and makeup to match Rita Hayworth in Act One, and glasses, a dowdy hairstyle, and slumped posture in Act Two. She's a beautiful woman, and the audience is always aware of that, but she does the best she can to act emotionally stunted and therefore unaware of her looks and potential in the second act.
The acting absolutely shines in Separate Tables. The story is a bit thin, and some might not agree with the message, but it's wonderful to sit back and appreciate great actors collaborating. Claire Bloom has the enviable role of the innkeeper, and she handles it extremely well with professionalism and control. She truly is the "matriarch" of her residents, able to handle all of their quirks, and make it look easy. Irene Worth is so realistic in her role (Gladys Cooper in the movie) that it's impossible to imagine her without her snobbery, nosiness, and opinions. Alan and Julie both transform, making the most of the script to build their characters and convince the audience that they really are two different people. This is a very entertaining play, if you have the right cast to watch.
