Present Laughter by Noël Coward

• Gary Essendine

Male – 30 – 50 – Needs to have star quality.

Essendine is, usually, a thoroughbred cad and a ham: a conceited old-school actor-manager lording over a small team of long-suffering assistants and associates while staving off the agonies of aging with a string of meaningless one-night stands. Protective of his bohemian crew, he is also predatory, lofty and, underneath it all, deeply alone. In this updated text, he becomes much more besides — bisexual, yes, but more than that: queer.

On stage nearly all the time – Gary needs energy and to be believable as the most famous actor of his time.

• Liz Essendine

Female – Classy and glamorous – 30 – 50 (needs to pair with Gary age wise)

Was an actress, has now become a playwright – think upper class, witty and sharp! Almost a double act with Monica.

• Monica Reed

A real character part – organises Gary’s life – any age over 30 (Sophie Thompson played her in the recent revival). Needs to punchy, despairing and have a great energy about her

• Miss Erikson

Housekeeper – any age. Written as Swedish but that can change. A comic part- not huge but makes her mark. On and off throughout the play

• Fred

Gary’s Valet. I think either older – very British – or we could go down the camp route. Great character part.

• Daphne Stillington

Young – 20’s – A debutante, bright young thing. Has stayed overnight with Gary. Posh and pretty!

• Roland Maule

An earnest young man. An aspiring playwright – 20’s to 30’s pompous – besotted with Gary Essendine

• Henry Lyppiatt

Any age over 30’s – businessman and long-time friend of Gary’s – “in with the in-crowd”

• Joanne Lyppiatt

Needs to match Henry / age wise – uses her looks and charm to get her way – sophisticated

• Lady Saltburn

Aristocrat, wealthy and majestic – Coward’s dig at Lady Bracknell – age wise needs to play Daphne’s mum – smaller part – but fun!

• Morris Dixon

A director and producer – older. Smart – but also a complete fool……….