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Written by Noel Coward
Directed by Lindsay Posner
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| Tracy-Ann Oberman |
Noel Coward is in vogue right now. With Still Life having only recently played at Drury Lane, the tour of Tracy-Ann Oberman's reinterpretation of Present Laughter has just arrived in the London suburbs. This glorious translation of this Coward comedy sees his 1943 original gender-swapped, given a transatlantic makeover and pivoted into 1970s New York in an evening of fabulous farce.
Oberman takes Coward’s leading character Gary Essendine, transforming him into Geri Essendine, an actress past her prime, but oozing narcissistic glamour and star quality from every pore. Under Lindsay Posner's direction, Oberman’s Essendine becomes an irresistibly intoxicating fusion of Joan Collins, Basil Fawlty and Max Bialystock.
Coward’s plot flickers into a bonfire of vanities as Essendine’s secretary, estranged husband and various producers and admirers fawn around her - but even while the story may occasionally defy credibility, Oberman commands every scene, bestriding the stage like a Colossus.
There is glorious talent too amongst her supporting company. James Dreyfus as her secretary Monty is a wise, camp, inspired performance, while Adrian Lukis puts in an equally brilliant turn as Len, her aforementioned spouse.
The action plays out in Essendine's Manhattan loft apartment, an inspired design from Peter McKintosh of stripped-back steel and brick. McKintosh has also designed Oberman's stunning array of gowns (both the dressing and evening versions!).
Only on for the week at Richmond before returning to the road, Present Laughter makes for a great evening at the theatre.
Runs until 26th September, then tours
