This revival of Noël Coward’s classic comedy Present Laughter switches genders and reimagines the original leading male character of Garry Essendine living in 1930s London as female character Geri Essendine living in 1970s New York.
The story explores fame, celebrity, aging and the treatment of women in the entertainment industry with a focuses on British actress and singer Geri who is about to set off on a tour of Australia.
Switching from Coward’s pre-war London theatreland to the sexual revolution of the 1970s in Studio 54-era America, Geri’s existence is a chaotic one. Despite living a glamorous life, appearing to be super confident and being courted by young men who want to be part of her life, she is vulnerable as she questions where’s she’s going in life and what growing older means for her career.
Tracy-Ann Oberman, star of EastEnders, Doctor Who and Friday Night Dinner, is outstanding as Geri. She’s on stage for almost the entire show and delivers a brilliant performance that switches between comedy and more poignant moments.
Other characters also switch gender from the original story including Geri’s long suffering secretary Monty played superbly by James Dreyfus, known for his roles in TV sitcoms Gimme Gimme Gimme and The Thin Blue Line. He has many hilarious moments as he attempts to keep her chaotic life is order.
Adrian Lukis shines as Geri’s husband Len with the rest of the supporting cast impressive too.
The set and costumes are stunning. They perfectly capture the visuals and atmosphere of a 1970s New York apartment. The display on the stage before curtain up showing newspaper front covers featuring Geri hanging out at parties with the likes of Princess Margaret and Andy Worhol is a nice tough.
This is daring transformation of Present Laughter but it pays off big time. It’s a wonderful show which delivers a funny, stylish and entertaining take on one of Noel Coward’s most famous plays.
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Present Laughter is at Theatre Royal Bath until 5 September.
Images by Simon Annand
