Noel Coward - Present Laughter
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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Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Garry Essendine | Samuel West |
| Monica | Frances Barber |
| Roland Maule | Freddie Fox |
| Liz Essendine | Janie Dee |
| Fred | Kim Wall |
| Daphne | Lily James |
| Joanna | Susannah Harker |
| Henry | Jonathan Coy |
| Morris | Anthony Calf |
| Miss Erikson | Hazel Ellerby |
| Lady Saltburn | Sarah Badel |
| Director | Celia de Wolff |
| Producer | Celia de Wolff |
| Writer | Noel Coward |
Broadcasts
Sat 6 Apr 2013 14:30BBC Radio 4- Sat 31 Jan 2015 14:30BBC Radio 4
- Sat 21 Oct 2017 06:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 21 Oct 2017 16:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Sun 22 Oct 2017 04:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
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