Present Laughter Wows The Critics!
News Desk, June 26th, 2019Starring Andrew Scott
Andrew Scott has made a triumphant return to the Old Vic this summer as he stars in Noel Coward's semi-autobiographical comedy, Present Laughter. But, what did the critics think of this Old Vic revival?
The Times was full of praise for the production saying "[Andrew Scott] does not so much play the part of vainglorious actor Garry Essendine as grasp it around the waist and do a hot-to-trot tango with it. His panache fills the entire theatre. The part feels made for him and he knows it".
The Telegraph mirrored the sentiment saying, "Andrew Scott's revelatory performance shows why Noel Coward is hailed a genius". The Stage were also full of admiration for the production and praised Matthew Wharchus' direction saying that Present Laughter was "slick, witty and unexpectedly tender".
London Theatreland's very own Kitty adored the Old Vic production saying "a gloriously uproarious revival and one of the most watchable shows of the year". Read Kitty's Full Review Here.
What is Present Laughter about?
Described by Coward as "a series of semi-autobiographical pyrotechnics", Present Laughter follows self-obsessed Garry Essendine as he prepares for a tour of Africa. A series of farcical events ensue as Essendine has to juggle his estranged wife, long-suffering secretary and the women who want to seduce him, as well as dealing with his impending mid-life crisis and cope with a crazed young playwright.
Present Laughter is now playing at the Old Vic Theatre through to 10 August.
