Present Laughter

Two of the UK’s favourite actors lead the cast in one of Noël Coward’s funniest comedies as a brand new production of Present Laughter arrives at Theatre Royal Brighton.
This brand new production stars Samuel West as the flamboyant and self-obsessed actor, Garry Essendine, and Phyllis Logan as Monica Reed, his long-suffering secretary.

Charming diva Garry Essendine is determined to disregard his advancing years by revelling in endless tantrums and casual affairs. He may be teetering reluctantly towards middle age but everyone is infatuated by Garry, and his antics and rampant flirtations require the most careful handling by those closest to him. About to depart for Africa, he finds himself besieged by a bevy of would be seductresses, not to mention his acerbic secretary, his estranged wife, and an obsessed young playwright. As he attempts to disentangle himself from their clutches and demands, the sparkling comedy escalates.

Noël Coward’s semi autobiographical comedy, set in the glamorous world of theatre, is a gloriously witty portrait of the life that whirled around Coward in his heyday and is widely considered to be one of his best loved works. Filled with the brilliant lines of a master craftsman, this new production blends razor sharp wit, dazzlingly funny dialogue, captivating characters and fabulous sets and costumes.
Samuel West has performed extensively on stage and screen. He played Frank Edwards in all four series of ITV’s hit drama series Mr Selfridge and, earlier this year, performed in BBC’s The Hollow Crown, marking Shakespeare’s anniversary.

Phyllis Logan’s numerous television credits include all six series of the multi-award winning ITV drama Downton Abbey, in which she played the housekeeper Mrs Hughes, voted by The Radio Times as their favourite character of the entire series.

Mon 8 – Sat 13 Aug
Eves 7.45pm
Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm
www.atgtickets.com/brighton***
0844 871 7650 (bkg fees apply)