NOEL Coward comedy Present Laughter is next up at Leamington’s Loft Theatre from June 8 to 18.
The hero, Garry Essendine, is a mixture of twinkling charm and driving egomania characteristic of the kind of actor-manager Coward was portraying and possibly of the author himself.
Coward admitted the play mirrored himself in the role of egomaniacal Essendine, who is on the eve of touring Africa in a series of plays.
He is also head of ‘the firm’ which consists of a wife he is separated from, secretary, valet, housekeeper, manager, producer, as well as hangers on such as an aspiring young actress and an obsessed fan from Uckfield.
Many of them are based on those in Coward’s own inner circle and Garry is shown striving to placate them all whilst dealing with a perceived mid-life crisis having recently turned forty.
The production is directed by Lorna Middleton and presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Limited.
Visit www.lofttheatrecompany.com for tickets and full performance details.
