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Noel Coward

Saturday Drama: Noel Coward - Present Laughter

Present Laughter

06/04/2013

Noel Coward - Present Laughter

BBC Radio 4 - Saturday Drama, Noel Coward - Present Laughter

Noel Coward's play follows a few days in the life of self-obsessed actor Garry Essendine.

By Noel Coward. Playwright and actor Garry Essendine's plans to leave on an African tour are complicated by romantic intrigue and obsessive fans.

Often thought of as semi autobiographical, Noël Coward's 'Present Laughter' follows a few days in the life of successful and self-obsessed actor Garry Essendine as he prepares to go on tour to Africa.

Amid a series of events bordering on farce, Garry must deal with interruptions including the numerous women who want to seduce him, a young aspiring actress, Daphne, and Joanna who is the wife of his manager Henry and who is already having an affair with his producer Morris.

He must also deal with placating his long suffering secretary Monica, avoiding his estranged wife Liz Essendine, being confronted by the obsessed young playwright Roland Maule and the unbearable inevitability of all that comes with turning forty.


'Present Laughter' by Noël Coward

Director: Celia de Wolff
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

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