Samuel West and Phyllis Logan star in Noël Coward’s Present Laughter at Cambridge Arts Theatre from 25 to 30 July prior to West End performances.
The play lives up to its title, as it’s widely considered to be one of Coward’s funniest as it reveals lives behind the theatrical curtain.
Actor, charmer and diva Garry Essendine disregards his advancing years by revelling in tantrums and casual affairs. Just as he is about to leave for Africa, he is besieged by would-be seductresses, his estranged wife, his long-suffering secretary and an obsessed young playwright. As he tries to free himself of their demands, the humour escalates, complete with dialogue and repartee that sparkles.
Often thought of as semi-autobiographical, Present Laughter portrays a world of dashing dressing gowns and ostentatious personalities.
West is known for roles in Notting Hill and Howards End on the big screen, plus Mr Selfridge, Waking the Dead and Cambridge Spies on the small screen. Logan played Mrs Hughes in Downton Abbey, as well as Lady Jane Felsham in Lovejoy.
Tickets are £18-£33. Evening performances are at 7.45pm daily; matinees at 2.30pm.
