Ah, the glamorous, glittering world of Noel Coward, especially in the 1920s and 30s. If you are a theatre person, if you admire The Master’s writing, if you like gossip and glamour, if you enjoy musical theatre and are into The Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey, then this stage production is for you.
Developed from diary entries, and letters and telegrams exchanged between Noel Coward and Gertrude Lawrence, this is a brilliant portrayal of their now legendary relationship.
It is directed lovingly and with a precise, elegant touch by Nancye Hayes, and the superb cast positively glows. The musical accompaniment is delightfully provided by pianist Vincent Colagiuri. Graham Maclean’s set is an elegant Art Deco construction – a posh hotel lobby or similar. Some of the show is very funny, some of it is poignant and heartbreaking, and over the evening many now classic works are performed.
Recently returned from London, James Millar (Gutenberg, Jerry Springer the Opera) gives a brilliant performance as Noel Coward, full of vibrancy and warmth, and debonair in a tuxedo and shiny black patent leather shoes. We follow his career, from childhood actor to director, composer, playwright and actor, with the narrative encompassing such classics as Blithe Spirit, Private Lives, Present Laughter, Hay Fever and Brief Encounter, and such songs as ‘Mad Dogs and Englishmen’, ‘Don’t Put Your Daughter on the stage Mrs Worthington’ (here given a rather alarming and furious performance) and ‘I’ll See You Again’.
Superb performances are given of major scenes from Private Lives, Brief Encounter and Blithe Spirit, among others.
As his leading lady, sparring partner and muse, Gertrude Laurence, Lucy Maunder (Dr.Zhivago, Jekyll and Hyde) is superb; alabaster elegant in a long, flowing, white 1930s-style gown. She scintillates as Amanda in the Private Lives scenes; is a witty, ghostly spitfire Elvira in Blithe Spirit; heartbroken and intense in the scenes from Brief Encounter.
There is a wonderful passion and warmth, a love of theatre that exudes from the tremendous cast, more than animating Coward’s and Lawrence’s lives in this totally charming, enthralling show.
A fascinating snapshot of two theatrical greats, most wonderfully performed. Thoroughly recommended.
Rating: 4 ½ stars out of 5
Noel and Gertie
Director/Choreographer: Nancye Hayes
Musical director/accompanist: Vincent Colagiuri
Set and costume design: Graham Maclean
Lighting design: Nicholas Higgins
Stars James Millar as Noel Coward and Lucy Maunder as Gertrude Lawrence
Running time: Two hours 15 mins (approx) including one interval
The Concourse, Chatswood
26 – 29 June
See website for additional tour dates in NSW, VIC and SA
