REVIEW: Present Laughter, Chichester Festival Theatre

WHEN Noel Coward’s Present Laughter opened in 1942 amid the on-going horror of the Second World War, the author himself played the lead role of slightly-faded theatre matinee idol Garry Essendine (writes Ian Murray).

Given that Essendine spends much of his time wearing Coward’s trademark dressing gowns whilst coping with the machinations and tribulations of his coterie of staff and close associates – today we would label them an ‘entourage’ - it’s little wonder the comedy was seen as a thinly veiled take on his own life. It was an opinion Coward suggested contained more than a little truth.

Fast forward to this opening production for the Chichester Festival Season and we find the lead played by Rufus Hound. Here Hound’s still dressing-gown-clad Esssendine eschews much of the restrained poise Coward no doubt brought to the role, in favour of acrobatic temperament. It’s hard to image Coward rolling on the floor in angst or perfecting the dying fly on the oriental rug of his polished London studio home. Less Coward then, more, well, Hound.

But if the opening night audience found the insertion of a more modern central character into the pre-war world of theatrical salons awash with gorgeously draped society gals who misplace their latchkeys they didn’t seem to mind, lapping up the French-farce confusion as Essendine’s preparations for a tour of colonial Africa – we never quite find out where – slip into chaos.

It is a wonderful romp, as Essendine’s entourage, including his estranged wife Liz and long-suffering wise-cracking secretary Monica – played by the equally fabulous Katherine Kingsley and Tracy-Ann Oberman – attempt to knock their man into shape for his up-coming tour.

Of course someone’s wife is behind that bedroom door. Naturally the odd young author has to be locked in the office. Thankfully Frobisher the red-haired chauffeur is always on hand to drive someone still wearing their evening gown home after breakfast.

Coward’s world of pre-war Britain may no longer exist, but the dressing gown remains in fashion if this opening night is anything to go by.

Runs until May 12.

Ian Murray