Noel Coward

FIRST LOOK: Kneehigh’s production of Brief Encounter by Noel Coward

Features, Gallery, Touring, West End
Brief Encounter Kneehigh Theatre

Take a look at Steve Tanner’s first look production images from Kneehigh Theatre’s award-winning production of Noel Coward’s Brief Encounter, adapted and directed by Emma Rice which is currently playing at Birmingham Repertory Theatre until 17 February, followed by The Lowry, Salford from 20 to 24 February, before its West End season at Empire Cinema Haymarket from 2 March to 2 September 2018. Switching between live action and film, Brief Encounter stars Jim Sturgeon as Alec, Isabel Pollen as Laura, Lucy Thackeray as Myrtle, Beverly Rudd as Beryl, Jos Slovick as Stanley and Dean Nolan as Fred/Albert, with Katrina Kleve and Peter Dukes. Brief Encounter is produced by David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers. A chance meeting in a railway station café where they were brought together by Laura ‘getting a little piece of grit in my eye’, led to one of the most haunting and heart-breaking love stories ever told. … Read more

Private Lives 2016 UK Tour Tickets

News, Touring
Private Lives UK Tour 2016

A major revival of Noel Coward’s best loved and multi-award-winning quintessentially English comedy. This glittering production of one of the greatest plays of all time, includes Olivier Award nominated TV and stage star Tom Chambers (winner of Strictly Come Dancing and star of Top Hat the musical) as the loveable and charming Elyot and Laura Rogers (The Sins, Bad Girls) as the unconventional and vivacious Amanda. Also starring Charlotte Ritchie (Call the Midwife, Fresh Meat and Siblings) and Richard Teverson (Downton Abbey). An elegant evening of snappy wit, glamour and perceptive observation that promises to be a deliciously delectable and unforgettable classic. A masterpiece of 1930’s high comedy, Private Lives is the sophisticated evening of acutely sharp, divinely decedent, and unashamed humour. PRIVATE LIVES 2016 UK TOUR – PAST DATES Friday 16 – Saturday 16 January 2016 New Victoria Theatre, Woking Monday 18 – Saturday 23 January 2016 Churchill Theatre, … Read more

REVIEW: Hay Fever, Duke Of York’s Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Reviews, West End
Alice Orr-Ewing, Felicity Kendal and Edward Franklin in Hay Fever at the Duke Of York's Theatre

Felicity Kendal is a triumph as the effervescent, self-indulgent diva that is Judith. Her throaty, raspy tones; the endless lighting and stubbing out of cigarettes; the casual, but persistent, flick of tousled curls; the innocent eyes and the naughty remark and the naughty remark and the innocent eyes; the devilment, the wild abandon, the sneaky confidence, the haughty indifference. Every aspect of the performance is beautifully judged by Kendal.

REVIEW: Noël Coward’s Christmas Spirits, St James Studio ✭✭✭

Off West End, Reviews
Charlotte Wakefield, Stefan Bednarczyk and Issy Van Randwyck. Photo: Mark Douet

Hutchinson has produced an unusual Christmas confection: part song, part recitation, part reminiscence and part cheeky indulgence. Using material ranging from Coward’s own diaries and writings, through Charles Dickens, Dylan Thomas and Ben Johnson to reportage and obscure/familiar (depending on your education) literary works and sprinkled with well known, popular songs, the result is a true alternative to the usual seasonal pantomime fare.

TALES FROM THE DRESSING ROOM : Penelope Keith

Interviews
Penelope Keith

In the first of our Tales From The Dressing Room series, Penelope Keith chats candidly to JBR about the changes in the industry since her training. “Come in, come in. Welcome to the most elegant dressing room in the West End.” How could it not be? This is, after all, the famed Dressing Room No. 10 at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. Current resident, the ever fragrant Penelope Keith, is precisely as one imagines her to be; part hectoring schoolmarm, part favourite aunt. “I like the idea of older actors passing on what they know, but don’t make me sound too much like an old fart,” she pleads, as she crosses the room and takes her seat. The room is not the most extravagantly appointed one in the West End. A large, French style dressing table occupies the right hand side where Keith’s wig sits, proudly, on a stand. Modest amounts … Read more