Present Laughter closes today

By Amy Somensky Jan 24, 2008, 0:36 GMT

At the centre of his own universe sits matinee idol Garry Essendine: suave, hedonistic and too old, says his wife, to be having numerous affairs. His line in harmless, infatuated debutantes is largely tolerated but playing closer to home is not. Just before he escapes on tour to Africa the full extent of his misdemeanours is discovered. And all hell breaks loose. ...more

London: The National Theatre production of Noel Coward's Present Laughter plays its final performance today at the Lyttelton.

The production stars Pip Carter as Roland Maule, Lisa Dillon as Joanna Lyppiatt, Amy Hall as Daphne Stillington, Frances Jeater as Lady Saltburn, Alex Jennings as Garry Essendine, Tim McMullan as Morris Dixon, Sara Stewart as Liz Essendine, Anny Tobin as Miss Erikson, Tony Turner as Fred, Simon Wilson as Henry Lyppiatt, and Sarah Woodward as Monica Reed.

The creative team includes set design by Tim Hatley, costume design by Jenny Bevan, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, sound design by Paul Groothuis, and music by Dominic Muldowney. Howard Davies directs.

At the centre of his own universe sits matinee idol Garry Essendine: suave, hedonistic and too old, says his wife, to be having numerous affairs. His line in harmless, infatuated debutantes is largely tolerated but playing closer to home is not. Just before he escapes on tour to Africa the full extent of his misdemeanours is discovered. And all hell breaks loose.