Theatre review: Present Laughter
by Noel Coward
Lytellton Theatre, National Theatre, London
Rating: ***** (out of 5)
Review by: Alexa Williamson
If you’re looking for a fantastic, farcical period piece to start your New Year with, then look no further than Present Laughter as this stroke of genius – one of Noel Coward‘s strongest plays, in my opinion – is just that.
Actor Gary Essendine (Alex Jennings) is a good-looking, well-spoken and charismatic man and he knows it. In this two-act play, from 1939, he must fend off many women – and a man – that adore him. Whether it’s wannabe actress Daphne (Amy Hall), obsessive and creepy playwright Roland (Pip Carter), ex-wife Liz (Sara Stewart) or temperamental lover Joanna (Lisa Dillon), the parlays between him, all of them and their lovers and others is punchy and amusing throughout – with a tasty hint of cynicism.
To date, the Coward works I’ve seen are all well-made pieces, however there can be a lack of distinction between characters (such as the two male lovers in the threesome in Design for Living). However, this is well counter-pointed by the fast-pace and farcical elements of this piece.
Besides the strong, tight, acting (particularly from Jennings as Essendine), the play is a visual delight. The apartment, in which it’s set, comprises long, sweeping turquoise walls lined with ivory, curving lamps and attractive overstuffed couches and wooden furniture. And, the costumes are also utterly elegant and spot on for the period – whether it’s Joanna in her red velvet gown and pinned, curling locks, Liz in her cream silk blouse and rouched navy skirt, or Daphne in her pink spaghetti-strap dress of silk and feathers.
Thanks to the actors, director Howard Davies, set designer Tim Hatley and costume designer Jenny Beavan, the National has pulled together an enchanting piece of Coward. Or, as The Observer puts it, this is “Coward at his peak.”
