Stage: A Talent To Amuse: Noel & Gertie is revived at the Devonshire Park Theatre

Noel Coward was one of the most loved, most prolific and wittiest figures in 20th century theatre, both here and around the world, and his catalogue of plays continues to be a source of entertainment for new audiences old and young.

Noel & Gertie is the first revival of Sheridan Morley’s hit play that originally ran in the West End for nine years and has been crafted from diaries and letters between the pair.

Noel Coward and Gertie were life-long friends from their first encounter with each other at the Manchester Theatre where they were both appearing as child actors. Noël wrote in his memoirs how Gertie “…gave me an orange and told me a few mildly dirty stories, and I loved her from then onwards.”

It was a serious, if at times tempestuous friendship for Noel, and he went on to write many of his best works for Gert. Although Noel was homosexual, there is no doubt that Gertrude Lawrence played one of the most important roles in his stage and sometimes private life. She was the partner that he most often wanted to work with and when she prematurely died, there was a large void left in his life. This production celebrates their unique characters, friendship and love.

It was a serious, if at times tempestuous friendship

Written by critic, broadcaster, author, biographer – and Noel Coward’s Godson, Sheridan Morley’s carefully crafted musical showcases two extraordinary lights in theatrical history in a fascinating way and showcases more than 20 songs and scenes from shows including Private Lives and Blithe Spirit.

Matthew Townshend, director and producer, said: “This play encapsulates a real-life love story and the complex relationship between an extraordinary duo who were inseparable until Gertrude’s premature death from cancer. It epitomises an era of sophistication and elegance and features songs, sketches and snippets of scenes from some of Coward’s most famous work.”

Helen Power, who has previously appeared in Sunset Boulevard in the West End and appeared in the UK tour of Chess will play Gertie, while Ben Stock, whose credits include West End performances in Grease and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, will play Coward. Musical direction is by the acclaimed Steven Edis and live piano accompaniment is provided by Johnathan Lee.

Noel & Gertie, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne
Wednesday 29 March –
Saturday 1 April
01323 412000 or online eastbournetheatres.co.uk