Tracy-Ann Oberman, James Dreyfus and Adrian Lukis to star in Noël Coward’s PRESENT LAUGHTER
Casting has been announced for Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Augusta Productions’ Present Laughter, Noël Coward’s celebrated and hilarious portrayal of the temptations and pitfalls of theatrical celebrity, which will play at Theatre Royal Bath from 27 August - 5 September, prior to touring.
This new version is reimagined by actress, playwright and columnist Tracy-Ann Oberman, who will also star as Geri Essendine, the first time that the character has been played by a female lead, having been originated on stage by Noël Coward himself and traditionally played as Garry Essendine.
This production marks the second time that Oberman has revisited classic texts and taken on the greatest of male roles, following her highly acclaimed performance as Shylock in The Merchant of Venice 1936.
Further casting includes James Dreyfus (Gimme Gimme Gimme, Mount Pleasant) as Monty, and Adrian Lukis (Being Mr Wickham, The Holy Rosenbergs) as Len, with Richenda Carey as Lady Saltburn, Seb Carrington as David Stillington, Eva Feiler as Rosina Maule, Gabriella Foley as Miss Erikson, Charlotte Randle as Henrietta, Jonathan Tafler as Morris, Perry Williams as Fred, and Kit Young as Johannes.
Geri Essendine is a hugely successful actress who has been 39 for the best part of a decade. Her personality, wit and charm have earned her a legion of devoted fans, young and old, and a coterie of friends, acquaintances and hangers-on. Just as she is about to depart for a tour of Africa, Geri finds herself besieged by a bevvy of would-be lovers, not to mention her long-suffering secretary, estranged husband and an obsessed young playwright. Will she ever disentangle herself from their tightening clutches and incessant demands? And deep down, does she really want to…?
Present Laughter is directed by Lindsay Posner, with set and costume design by Peter McKintosh, lighting by Richard Howell, composition and sound by Adam Cork, and casting by Ginny Schiller CDG.
Following Bath, the production will visit Cambridge, Malvern, Richmond, Cheltenham, York, Poole, Liverpool, and Chichester.