Present Laughter - Review

Richmond Theatre, London

****

Written by Noel Coward

Directed by Lindsay Posner

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 the Coward comedy sees his 1943 original being 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

Photo credit: Simon Annand

Still Life - Review

Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London

*****

Written by Noel Coward

Directed by Tam Williams

Rachel Pickup

In an afternoon of simply exquisite theatre, the Grand Saloon Bar at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is transformed into the tearoom of Milford Junction station to bring Noel Coward’s Still Life, literally, to life.

This gem of a short play, written in 1936, was the inspiration for David Lean’s movie Brief Encounter that was to follow some nine years later. Rachel Pickup and Alasdair Craig as Laura Jesson and Alec Harvey, the star-crossed couple at the story’s focus, are faced with the challenge of massive shoes to fill.

The pair rise to the challenge magnificently, and in performances of the utmost tenderness and nuance, rekindle perhaps the greatest British love story of the 20th century. Coward’s writing was magnificent at depicting the detail of England’s niceties, courtesies and class segregations and his script is a work of art in how so much is suggested with such minimal dialogue.

Both leads are flawless in their delivery, but in Pickup’s work particularly, as she grapples with her conflicting emotions, there is perhaps the finest acting to be found in London today.

The supporting cast of Elizabeth Elvin, Antony Jardine and Seren Sandham-Davies in assorted roles are equally top-notch, with an enchanting romantic subplot playing out alongside the hustle and bustle of a busy railway station, itself cleverly depicted by well timed sound effects.

The acoustics of the room occasionally muffled the dialogue - but the occasional musical interludes (including some stunning keyboard work from Sandham-Davies) more than compensated.

Credit to director Tam Williams for taking Coward’s genius and crafting it into this gem of a production, performed by a gifted company.

Only pulling into town for one week, jump on a London-bound express to catch this unmissable treat. Did I mention that the ticket includes a first-class cream tea too?

Deeply moving drama, I think I might have caught a piece of grit in my eye…. 

Runs until 12th September

Photo credit: Andreas Lambis