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Home , Alfred Lunt, Barrie Ingham, Daniel Massey (actor), Gladys Calthrop, Joanna Riding, Katharine Cornell

WHAT’S ON? Is your production or event shown here...? If you want an item to be included here or on our website then please send details to: What’s On, The Noël Coward Society, 29, Waldemar Avenue, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 6TB or email: whatson@noël coward.net Tel: +44 (0)1603 486188 Fax: +44 (0)1603 400683 Professional companies are shown in blue * denotes Premiere, TBC = To be confirmed In North America : WEST END HIGHLIGHT - 31 Mar to 10 Apr, 2005 -Seminole Community College Fine Featuring Penelope Keith, , Amanda Drew Arts Theatre, Sanford, Florida and Aden Gillett - Director: Thea Sharrock BARRY DAY - IT’S AN HONOUR! From the 16th November 2004 to 28th May 2005. On Wednesday November 24th Barry Day was Fallen Angels Monday to Saturday 7.30 pm. honoured by the Queen with an OBE for servic- April to November 2005 - (in repertory) Stratford Festival Thursday and Sat Matinee 2.30 pm. es to British Culture in the US. The evidence Theatre - Stratford, Ontario - Canada Ticket price from £15 to £40 for such an honour lies in the depth, diligence 1 Jan to 5 Feb 2005 - Dundas Little Theatre, Dundas, ON For more information or to make a booking at The Savoy and quality of research he applies to his literary Theatre please telephone the box office 0870 1648787 and cultural projects - something that scholars Fresh from its run as part of the 2004 Season, and enthusiasts alike have come to expect from 12 to 15 May 2005 Stage 43 Theatrical Soc. Port Coquitlam BC Barry. His contributions are various - from his work with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to the In Europe 16 to 19 Feb 2005 - Marlborough Dramatic Club, Brentwood life and works of two literary ‘greats,’ P.G. Theatre, Brentwood Wodehouse and Noël Coward. His works for 25 to 28 Jan 2005 Duisburg University English Theatre, 7 to 12 Mar 2005 The Hamble Players, The Memorial Hall, the Coward Estate include: Noël Coward - A Duisburg University, Duisburg, Germany Hamble, Southampton Life In Quotes, My Life With Noël Coward 19 to 22 Jan 2005 Ratae Co-operative Players, The (with ), The Unknown Noël, the In the Wheatsheaf Theatre, Leicester, Leicestershire essential volume Noël Coward - The Complete Lyrics and his two latest publications, Coward 27 Jan to 19 Feb 2005 Salisbury Playhouse Red Peppers On Film - The Cinema Of Noël Coward and 20 to 29 Jan The Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich, Norfolk Postponed - The Matrix Theatre, Newbury, Berks  Erik Unger Noël Coward - In His Own Words. He also edit- Barry Day narrating at the Humanities Festival with Johnny G. and Noël C. ed Coward’s Revue Sketches and Parodies. In Hay Fever Fallen Angels the offing is The Noël Coward Letters another volume that has 2004 West Yorkshire Playhouse, The Quarry 22 Jan to 5 Feb 2005 Eye Theatre, Suffolk required hours of painstaking research and reveals some of 25 Feb to 5 Mar 2005 - Heald Green theatre Co Ltd., Heald Coward’s more significant correspondence. His other publica- Green Theatre, Heald Green, Cheshire Star Quality tions include: The Complete Lyrics of P.G. Wodehouse, 13 to 18 Dec - The Keighley Playhouse, Keighley, West : In Her Own Words, P.G. Wodehouse: in His Blithe Spirit Yorkshire Own Words, Sherlock Holmes and the Shakespeare Globe 25 Nov to 4 Dec - The Sewell Barn Theatre Company, Sewell Murders, Sherlock Holmes: In His Own Words and in the Barn Theatre, Norwich Still Life Words of Those Who Knew Him and This Wooden 'O: 11 Jan 2005 - Southampton University Players, The Nuffield 2 to 4 Dec & 14 & 15 Jan 2005 - Walton Drama Group . The Shakespeare's Globe Reborn - Achieving an American's Theatre, Southampton, Hampshire Village Hall, Warton, Lancashire Dream. Barry’s dramatic pieces include: Noël & Alfred & 9 to 12 Feb 2005 Sefton theatre Company, The Little Theatre, Lynn - performed in 2002 at the , New York Southport, Merseyside and later at the Chicago Humanities Festival with Simon Jones 13 to 15 Jan 2005 Bradwell ADS, The Village hall, Bradwell, 13 to 18 Dec - Bournemouth Little Theatre Club Ltd. as Noël Coward, Barrie Ingham, as and Rosemary Essex Bournemouth, Dorset Harris, as ; and Johnny G. & Noël C his tribute  Erik Unger 30 Nov to 4 Dec Camhayle Theatre Club, The Town hall, to in his centenary year, featuring Rosemary Steve Ross and Simon Jones performing ‘Johnny G. and Noël C.’ Wadebridge, Cornwall Pass The Port - A Nautical Musical Comedy Harris, Simon Jones, Paxton Whitehead and Steve Ross, that 29 Nov to 4 Dec Durham Dramatic Society Ltd. The City 6 Jan, 2005 - The Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich 7.30 pm at the Chicago Humanities Festival was performed at the same venues during 2004. He has Theatre, Durham, Co. Durham with Susan Flannery and Michael Lunts directed by Roger revived two Coward musicals as concert performances includ- Leach BO: 01603 620917 ing the American premiere of Noël Coward's at Waiting In The Wings FOOTNOTE: the York Theatre in New York as part of their famed Musicals 9 to 11Dec Bognor Regis Drama Club, The in Mufti series. He is currently working with Tony Walton on Alexandra Theatre, Belmont Street, Bognor Regis Amongst the recordings received from the old Noël Coward the Irish production of that Tickets, £9, £8 cons, £5 Sat Mat. Office is a pilot recording by Hugh Martin and previews from December 7th 2004. His early successes were Box Office 01243 862020 Timothy Gray of the songs for High Spirits. including tracks that were not used in the show entitled: An English Summer in advertising followed by a role as a political media adviser and speech writer for prime ministers Edward Private Lives Day, Nothing Ever happens In London, The Season, Would Heath and Margaret Thatcher. He has hosted Summer 2005 (TBC) Dublin Gate then Irish Tour You Let Me and I’ve Never Had A Manifestation. numerous events where his knowledge of his 13 to 18 Jun 2005 - The Pump House Theatre Company, The Other discoveries include: Ted Straeter’s Society Orchestra subject, wry humour and clear, direct approach Pump House Theatre, Watford, Herts recording Dance To The Music of ; Victor has made him a popular host. So it is a real End Jan 05 16 week UK tour Triumph Proscenium Productions Sylvester’s dance compilation recording Someday I’ll Find honour to toast Barry’s inclusion in the & Bath Theatre Royal Productions You; the complete recording of This Happy Breed with Noël Coward and Edna Best and a complete recording of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list and to wish him  Erik Unger continuing success with his historical research and Paxton Whitehead performing Relative Values Coward 70th Birthday celebration A Talent To Amuse with a and literary work. Barry’s latest book from Methuen ‘Johnny G. and Noël C.’ 27 Jan to 19 Feb 2005 Salisbury Playhouse host of West End, TV/ and Recording artists of the era. Page 12 Unless stated otherwise all text and images are copyright to the Noël Coward Estate. All correspondence to: Home Chat, The Noël Coward Society, 29, Waldemar Avenue, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 6TB UK email: homechat @noelcoward.net old friend - chances to visit Cowrie and records entitled No More Love Songs - “ Is this what the legendary David Belascos is reunited that we see that far from the Songs From British Musical 1950 - and Andre Charlots looked like? He wore a absurd image they present to the outside 1975 it was a wonderful afternoon world the Edgehills simply function to a where, fortified with good wine and black fedora and a long black coat with a different set of values from those that posh nibbles, a room full of guests influence most people - with , heard a delightful selection from the large Persian lamb collar on it.” , Rachel Gurney, Alan MacNaughton, Daphne Goddard, An interview with Geoffrey Johnson Amanda Pays, Raymond Francis, John Harding, Madge Hindle, Robert Blythe, Earlier this year Ken Starrett and John Anta Theatre (now the Virginia). Noël Shane Rimmer, John Horsley, Henry Knowles met Geoffrey Johnson at Sardi’s appeared on stage after arriving at the Moxon, Martin Wimbush, Pat Starr, Jay Restaurant as the pre-matinee crowd met stage door with Cole Lesley. He Ruparelia, Philip O’Brien, Andrea involved in at Norwich called Men Of A to eat. In a noisy restaurant we talked crossed toward the empty house like Browne, Richard Boyle, Hilary Paul, Certain Age. Amongst those performing about Geoffrey’s time as Noël Coward’s some great actor-manager. Is this what Nihal Dayananda, Jayantha Fernando, was Dominic Ashworth one of the most friend and representative in North the legendary David Belascos and U.D.L. Gunasinghe, Saman Kannangara acclaimed of British guitarists, who has America. One question provided the start- Andre Charlots looked like? He wore and M.K. Srilal. recorded a songbook of British musicals ing point for the interview... a black fedora and a long black coat If you do get a chance to view these called Between Ourselves. This album with a large Persian lamb collar on it. delightful pieces you will not be disap- opens a world of beauty for both lovers twenty songs on the album. ...When did you first meet Noël Coward? After introductions, he sat in the stalls pointed! of classic British Musicals and tender The composers represented include Ivor and was extremely gracious and kind Barry Day has told me that he saw Alan guitar masterpieces. This is guitar play- Novello, Sandy Wilson, Julian Slade, I met him in the early sixties when he was to all of the production staff and the Bennett's The History Boys before he left ing of a very special quality, breathing David Heneker, Andre Previn and Harry about to begin auditions for the American auditioning actors. This was my first and says that it is one of the best life into music that might never have Parr Davies, and the shows include production of Sail Away. I guess it was exposure to his great sense of humani- evenings he has ever spent in the theatre. expected it! With music by John Barry, Twang!!, The Buccaneer, Grab Me a just one of those chances of fate.Keene ty. After the show was almost cast, Geoffrey Johnson at Sardi’s One little snippet he picked up from the Lionel Bart, Ivor Novello, Vivian Ellis, Gondola, Lady at the Wheel and Phil Curtis had already stage-managed three there was a delay in getting the show play was ...the ‘Boys’ have a game in Monty Norman, Harold and oth- the Fluter. The CD selection offers a Coward American productions/revivals: on because Producer Roger Stevens ness… However, I did stay on working which a couple of them act out a quote ers, the shows featured include Gone freshness and directness that alerts us to Nude With Violin (1957) with Coward dropped out and Donald Seawell (who in the Russell office until a rift developed from a film and the others have to name With the Wind, Make Me an Offer, Blitz!, the quality of the songs. Both Between himself and , Present beween Charles and Noël Coward. It the film. One quote is from Brief Oliver!, Half a Sixpence, Gay's the Word Ourselves and No More Love Songs can Laughter (1958) again with Coward and was severe with lost tempers and became Encounter - the last speech when Celia and many others. It is a unique addition be obtained from MCSR online at: Eva Gabor, and Look After Lulu (1959) an unpleasant experience for everyone. I Johnson as Laura (played by a boy of to the discography of British musical http://www.must-close-saturday- with and Roddy was asked to meet privately with Noël course) describes how she felt at the sta- theatre in wonderfully calming sound. records.co.uk or by post to: MCSR, 56, McDowall. The plan was that Keene and Coley. Noël said, “Look, I have a tion when she wanted to throw herself On Sunday 28th November the ever- The Street, Poringland, Norwich, would stage manage Sail Away but, at this lawyer here in America, and an agent and under the train and her husband thanks patient Beryl and I went to see Rex Norfolk, NR14 7JT. Other CDs in their time, he decided to try his hand at acting Lornie (Lorn Loraine) in London but her for coming back to him. Hilarious! Walford and Gabrielle Bell play at new catalogue are: Hillbrow - a vibrant, and joined ’s APA Repertory what I need is someone like you to take he says - and the audience clearly ‘got Maddingley Hall in Cambridgeshire. In touching musical set in the apartheid Company in Princeton. He became care of things over here with my it’! this beautiful setting they performed South Africa of 1963. unavailable to do Noël’s new musical’s American lawyer because you know Last time I wrote about the show I was tracks from their first album for MCSR No Strings - back in the catalogue at auditions and, through our mutual friend more about my work than he does. Are last after years of neglect, the British No ACT’s Edward Hastings, I was asked to you interested, dear boy?” Do I have to the flower-laying at Drury Lane and Strings is a truly exceptional Richard stage manage the auditions with a promise say that I was? And that’s how it all got EVENTS... Annual Luncheon at Rules Restaurant Rodgers musical - the only one for that I would be hired as an assistant when started! It was an absolute joy…it was As our UK party set off for New York both attended by Lord Dickie Geoffrey Johnson, Graham Payn and which he wrote lyrics as well as music. Curtis returned to take charge of the show. the greatest life in the world. I went to everything is in place for the double Attenborough and his wife Sheila. Why Noël in Jamaica ZIPP! - the complete guide to 100 I had begun my theatrical career as an Switzerland, London, and/or Jamaica to celebration of Coward’s Birthday in not join us for a coffee at the museum, musicals - or your money back! Gyles actor and switched to stage managing ran the Denver Post) and Haila consult on whatever project was pending December. The party looks meet fellow members and spend the Brandreth's brilliantly inventive revue shortly before this. Stoddard, a team known as Bonard or actually happening. The Girl Who to be set to swing with theatre tours, afternoon shopping in Covent Garden. on the world of musicals was a smash I remember vividly meeting Noël on the Productions, became the show’s lead Came To Supper (I was also an assistant stays at the Algonquin and meals at Just contact Barbara Longford by hit at the Festival, had a suc- first day of auditions at what was then the producers. stage manager on this show) and High Sardi’s and Rosie O’Grady’s. The big email: [email protected] cessful run in London, and is now ear- During the hiatus beween producers, I Spirits were in the formative stages and I events are of course at The Gershwin The KT Sullivan show celebrating Noël marked for Broadway. Here, on two went to work in the office of co-pro- began work on them. In addition, I was Theatre and Drury Lane when flowers Coward at the Jermyn Street Theatre on CDs, is the FULL show in its unexpur- ducer Charles Russell who was also the fortunate enough to meet absolutely are to be laid - a week apart - on the December 16th at 8.00 pm may still gated manic musicality - hear Lloyd American representative for the Noël everyone including Alfred Lunt, Lynn statues of Noël Coward. Blithe Spirit have tickets available for the show and Webber as you have never heard it Coward interests. I was merely a lowly Fontanne, , Elizabeth can be found in both capitals during the a glass of bubbly at £20 from the the- before, and the COMPLETE works of assistant but Cole Lesley who I worked Taylor, , , celebrations. In London Penelope Keith atre Box Office: 020 7287 2875 email: Webber performed in one minute! closely with was amazed at my knowl- Ava Gardner, Diana Cooper, Richard builds on her touring success at the [email protected]. Brandreth and his superb company take edge of all the Coward works and Attenborough, Evelyn Laye, Margaret whilst at The Museum Our Coward On Film afternoon is on in a wicked version of The Sound of properties. Then, the whole stage-man- Leighton, Vivien Leigh, , of Television and Radio at 25 West 52 Sunday Feb13th and over a cup of tea Music, Sondheim, The Rocky Horror agement staff changed and Keene Kay Thompson, David Niven and many Street, New York NCS members and we will feature a Coward classic film Show and even Winnie the Pooh. Curtis decided to concentrate on acting many more - the names could go on for- guests will be viewing the CBS televi- and more. If you wish to come along Finally we have moved all of the - he became a successful actor and ever. I also became very close to the sion adaptation starring The Master send a £10 deposit per person and your remaining books and recordings from eventually won a Tony. As a stage Coward intimate circle of friends: Cole himself. In London on 11th the details on the booking form to: London to Norwich. See the catalogue manager on Sail Away, I was axed and Lesley, Lorn Loraine, Graham Payn, Joan Society’s AGM is at the Theatre Geoffrey Skinner, Samuel French Ltd in this month’s Home Chat for details. Geoffrey Johnson and Noël Coward out in the cold. So goes show busi- Hirst, and Joyce Carey. Museum, Covent Garden followed by 52 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 5JR

Page 2 Page 11 Not much can be said about Noël CHANGE IN THE SOCIETY'S CONSTITUTION ... a personal diary of all things Coward from the Editor Coward without mentioning the contribu- Conversation Pieces tion Coley made to Noël’s life: he knew a message from Michael Imison Chair of Noël Coward Ltd This month I reached the age of 60 and the setting for a complex battle of actors, openly with homosexuality. Me And The more about ‘Things Coward’ than Noël Up until now ordinary members have in vainglorious fashion indulged as many directors and producers. Drawing on all Girls is a humerous and subtle portrait of did himself. He kept the empire running Under the constitution the Company is had no direct say in the running of the aspects of my life as possible. As part of his first-hand experience of the theatre a man who has neither compromised his and always always did so with thorough- required to consult the Society as a Society. The Society is controlled by a this exercise I reviewed (in the true sense world, Coward creates a powerful atmos- sexuality nor his questionable talent in a ness, intelligence, devotion to Noël, and, body before putting its plans into non-elected committee that is appointed of re-viewed) all of the NC videos of phere of charged intensity climaxing in a life that has been filled with love - with most particularly, great good humor. action. Accordingly a motion will be by Noël Coward Ltd, the company that films, performances etc. that I have. This tense on-off first night. The play is a suc- , Nichola McAuliffe, I just happened to be in Jamaica when proposed at the Society's AGM in administers the Society's funds, which included a feast known to the Coward cess and so is Bryan, but only on every- Robert Glenister, Tessa Pritchard, Andre we lost Noël and looking back on those December 2004 expressing confidence came originally from the Coward cognoscente as the START videos. For body else’s terms - with Susannah York, Maranne, Philip Voss, Nancy Nevinson, sad days before he was buried at Firefly in the current committee and asking the Estate, recipient of the Coward royal- those who have never seen these mini- Iain Richardson, Peter Chelsom, David Olivier Pierre, Catherine Rabbett, Tracy Hill, I realized how special I was to have Company to extend the deadline for the ties. This has worked well but now that masterpieces they really are worth a Yelland, David Swift, Pam Ferris, Booth, Harry Fowler, , shared in his life. I have gone on to election to a later date, but before the the Society is largely funded by mem- quick Google on Neville Barber, Tim Bannerman, Ben Adam Robertson, Julie-Anne Blythen, other fulfilling endeavours like casting AGM 2005, and to give consideration bers' subscriptions the directors of Noël the Internet or a Aris and Jo Kendall. , Jaynee and Michelle films, televisions, and Broadway shows - to having a proportion of non-elected Coward Ltd have proposed under the ramble through The next video is an adaptation of Jordan, Colette Stevenson, Chrissie three Coward revivals: Private Lives members. If passed this will form the Society's constitution (which can be your local used Coward’s short story of the same name, Kendall and Annie Wensak. with , Waiting In The Wings official view of the membership. found on the Society's web-site) that book store for one that he had already apparently been Mrs. Capper’s Birthday - On the morn- with Rosemary Harris and Lauren Bacall, The Company are likely to agree to the elections to the committee such as are the few copies adaptated as Long Island Sound later ing of her fiftieth birthday, Mrs. Capper and the 100th Birthday concert of Sail motion but need to canvass the opin- normal in Societies of this sort should that remain in discovered by Barry Day, in a Swiss finds herself caught up in a tricky marital Away with at Carnegie ion of as large a number of members be held by postal ballot not later than circulation. The bank vault in 2002 and given its premier situation with the couple she ‘does for’. Hall - and well over 150 other wonderful both at home and abroad as possible. 30 March 2005. series was pro- in that year in an off- Using all the good natured tact that has productions. When I was the proud Accordingly if you have views on this The Society's committee are agreeable duced by the by The Actors Company Theatre (TACT) made her such a valued friend to so recipient of a Special matter please write or email to the in principle but feel that this date does BBC in partner- What Mad Pursuit - Author and actor many people, she saves the situation and and a Tony Award in 2003-2004 for dis- Company c/o the Society or make sure not give time to make the necessary ship with Evan Lorrimer is the central character in returns home to the first of several spe- tinguished contributions to the theatre, I that you attend the AGM. The arrangements and further that the ideal Quintet Films the most directly autobiographical of the cial events laid on by family and friends could not help thinking that none of my Company will take no further action committee would contain a mixture of and the USA, short stories. After a post-theatre supper to celebrate the day. Her own modesty rich full life could ever have happened if until 28 days after the AGM, the expiry elected and non-elected members to Arts and on a Saturday Night, he is whisked away, tells her that she is not worth all this I had never met Noël Coward, no matter of the constitutional notice period. allow for the co-option of persons with Entertainment Network. They contain a for an ostensibly quiet weekend, to the fuss, but those around her feel that she is what else I have done! Michael Imison particular expertise. treasury of famous actors, many at the Long Island mansion home of Mr & Mrs. more than worth it. Mrs. Capper’s only start of their illustrious careers. All are Grouper Seligman. He wakes with a regret is that her late husband Fred is no based on Noël’s short stories and are hangover as the first of the guests are longer there to share her happiness. - absolute gems. arriving and from then on it’s cocktails, with a screenplay by Jack Rosenthal, Want to buy Goldenhurst? There are six in all under the title: charades, musical entertainments and starring Patricia Hayes, Avis Bunnage, The Master’s Collection. endless petty gossip and jealousies, with Max Wall, Paula Wilcox, Nicholas Largely written in estate-agent-speak - but this sale notice gives the most detailed insight into Coward’s home ever seen. I list those I have seen (details on Bon Evan the centre of sycophantic attention. Gecks, , Kathryn Pogson, Gary Yes it is up for sale - well most of it is. Voyage are scanty as unfortunately I was He becomes desperate to get away and Waldhorn, Paddie O’Neill What is now called The Old Manor at not able to see the cast list at the end of starts hatching the most bizarre of plans Hugh Laurie, Roger Sloman, Denys Aldington, Ashford, Kent is described as my copy - it is not a very good copy and to effect his escape - with Carroll Baker, Alexander, Mark Boyton, Sandra Hale, a most interesting Grade II Listed period difficult to view so I am looking for Paul Daneman, Neil Cunningham, Phillip Sue Carpenter, Chris Walker, Peter house, with a wealth of original features, another copy for the archive - I have a Joseph, Jane Carr, Clive Swift, Sandra McMichael, Elaine Lordan and lastly and formerly the home of Noël Coward. spare original copy of the Star Quality Dickenson, Jacqueline Pearce, Haydn Andrew Paul of ‘The Bill’ fame. It consists of a reception hall/sitting video to exchange if anyone is interest- Gwynne, Helen Blizard, David Roper, Bon Voyage - with Judy Parfit and Nigel room, drawing room, dining room, gar- ed!) I include here the short synopsis Brit Walker, Imogen Bickford-Smith, Havers - no notes here I’m afraid! den room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility printed on the cover of each video and David Gilliam, Bradley Lavelle, The last of the series is one of the area. Noël Coward’s bedroom suite com- the cast list for each of them. If you care Nicholas Pritchard, Ted Maynard, Helen Samolo family of writings that includes prises a bedroom, bathroom and dressing to play ‘spot the actor’ you can collate a Horton, Pamela Mandell, Sarah Brackett, Pomp & Circumstance, Volcano, Pacific room. There are six further bedrooms, a longish list of well-known thespians! The Valerie Colgan and Rita Davies. 1860 and the piece known originally as family bathroom, cloakroom, 2nd sitting first video is Star Quality and was of It is claimed that this next adaptation of Home and Colonial then as Island Fling room, wine cellar and cellar. It has a course later adapted and directed for the his short story Me & The Girls is in the US and South Sea Bubble in the ragstone barn and gardens of about 1 stage by Christopher Luscombe and Coward’s only piece of writing that deals UK and... acre. If you are interested you need starred Penelope Keith. It made it to the with homosexuality, however Coward Mr & Mrs. Edgehill - Mr & Mrs. somewhere in the region of £800,000 and West End as has her latest performance does offer a dramatic framing of the sub- Edgehill are the Official British contact the estate agents Strutt & Parker in Blithe Spirit directed by Thea ject in his last play Song At Twilight (part Residents of the South Pacific Island of at their Canterbury Office, 2 Margaret's agents is as follows: Before 1927, site into a substantial home. Within it, he Sharrock at The Savoy Theatre (yes it of Suite In Three Keys), Cowrie. Just before and during the early Street, Canterbury, CT1 2SL Tel 01227 Goldenhurst was a traditional Kentish created a suite of private rooms, which did make it in to the West End I hear you Me & The Girls - George, a homosexual part of the Second World War, they share 451 123 Fax 01227 762 509 email: can- Farm, of about 150 acres, with the prin- opened onto his private stage. There cry!) cabaret artist is dying in a sanatorium in the small island with a group of [email protected] cipal house (probably a Kentish Hall were also numerous guest bedrooms, as Star Quality - Brian Snow has had his Switzerland. The action of the present is Americans who staff the airstrip there Their London Office is at 37 Davies House) surrounded by a range of tradi- he was well known for entertaining on a first play accepted by impressario J.C. juxtaposed with scenes from his past life and who regard the Edgehills as some- Street, London W1K 4SP Tel 020 7629 tional buildings. Noël Coward acquired lavish scale. It is said that ‘To be asked Roebuck for a West End Production star- - his successes and failures on stage and thing of an anachronistic joke. In fact 7282 Fax 020 7409 2359 email lon- the estate in 1926 and set about a major to Goldenhurst was like being asked to a ring beautiful Lorraine Barry. Occupying his one great love, Harry who was killed they have always seemed a rather pathet- [email protected]. The history programme of refurbishment and exten- Royal Garden Party’. the traditional writer’s territory - no in a motorcycle accident. Coward’s only ic couple whatever they have done. It is of Coward’s former home given by the sion, combining all the buildings on the man’s land - Barry sees his play used as piece of writing that deals explicity and not until Lady Cynthia Marchmount - an Page 10 Page 3 Many of his famous works were written with ragstone cladding and tile hanging. den. A doorway in the drawing room I am less fond of Coward’s rather camp really good song from comparisons between Coward and other and performed here, most probably The extension blends sympatheti- leads to a hallway and Noël Coward’s approach to the hectically-paced which is also hereby rescued from rela- songwriters such as cole Porter. including Cavalcade, Private Lives, Mad cally with the original building and sig- bedroom suite. Master bedroom 1(SE) ‘Marvellous Party’ and ‘I Wonder What tive obscurity. Dominic Vlasto Dogs & Englishmen, Mad About the nificantly enhances the accommodation, Exposed wooden floorboards, leaded Happened To Him?’, but one senses the The New York CD comes with informed Parts of this review have previously Boy, This Happy Breed and Tonight which features rooms of generous pro- light windows with views over the gar- showman showing off a bit, and why sleeve notes by Will Friedwald, which appeared in the essay at 8.30 (which includes the play Still portions, with many interesting period den, doorway to: Dressing room (SE) not? There are also good larger-band thoroughly explore the contributions To The Potency Of Cheap Music in Look Life on which Noël Coward and David features. As the house has been in the Tongue and groove panelling to three arrangements of ‘I Like America’, Coward’s musical legacy by such as Back In Pleasure - Noël Coward Lean based the film ). same ownership for over 40 years, it walls, exposed wooden floorboards. ‘Louisa’, ‘Why Must The Show Go Matz, Hackforth and Ray Noble, and Reconsidered The house was requisitioned during now requires some updating. However Window with view over garden. On?’, ‘What’s Going To Happen To The also makes interesting and informed (Eds. Kaplan & Stowell/Methuen, 2000) World War II, and was used as a Head the excellent proportions, peaceful loca- Bathroom – panelled bath with mixer Tots?’ and ‘Wait A Bit Joe’, the last a Quarters by Montgomery when the tion and interesting historical connec- taps and hand held shower attachment, threat of invasion was at its height. tions provide a superb framework in WC, pedestal washbasin with tiled NEWS, VIEWS AND LETTERS... Before World War II, this little known which to create a magnificent home. splashback, light and mirror above. There area of Kent, set above, and with superb The Old Manor is approached via a five is a deep storage cupboard adjacent to the As a film actor, Noël views over, Romney Marsh, was home bar gate which leads to a gravel and tar- bathroom which originally led to the the- DEATH AT THE Coward’s career to many of the most fashionable mem- macadam driveway which provides a atre, which is now in the adjoining part spanned 50 years, bers of Edwardian society. They includ- substantial parking and turning area to of the property. From the reception hall, a from an uncredited ed Sir Siegfield Sassoon who lived at the front of the house. The house is door leads to: Kitchen/breakfast room DESERT INN walk-on in Port Lympne (now home to one of the Listed Grade II as being of architectural (NW) Quarry tiled floor, range of base by Marcy Kahan. D.W.Griffith's Hearts late John Aspinall’s Zoos), and Dame and historic importance and is arranged units with an integrated stainless steel of the World (1917) to Ellen Terry at Smallhythe Place, Nr as follows: Oak door with leaded light sink and double drainer with mixer taps, A HIGHLY PROBABLE his final role in the Tenterden. Hollywood Actress and gos- window opens to: Reception hall/sitting space and plumbing to one side for 1968 Michael Caine sip columnist Hedda Hopper had a house room – partly exposed wooden floor- dishwasher, ample space for a further NOËL COWARD MURDER thriller,The Italian (now a hotel) built almost on the beach boards, concealed radiators, window fridge freezer, electric cooker and other Job. In between he at Littlestone-On-Sea (by Sir Clough seat with storage, extensive range of freestanding work units together with a MYSTERY. proceeded to steal, Williams-Ellis, creator of Portmeirion). cupboards, exposed beams and ceiling breakfast table. Tongue and groove pan- Starring Malcolm Sinclair as Noël Coward; Eleanor with what he called Nearby, Lympne Castle was restored in timbers, door conceals staircase that elling to part of the ceiling. Bron as his devoted London representative, Lorn “petty larceny”,such 1905 for the Tennant fami- Utility area – space and Loraine; Tam Williams as his devoted secretary, films as The ly, by Sir Robert Lorimer; plumbing for washing Cole Lesley and Belinda Lang as his devoted friend, Scoundrel, Around the they subsequently sold it to machine and tumble dryer, Judy Garland. Directed by . World in Eighty Days, the Beecham family, of further storage cupboards, Set in Las Vegas during the summer of 1955, this play and Our Man In Beechams powder fame. under stairs storage cup- is a follow-up to Marcy's well-received Radio 4 come- Havana. Significant as HG Wells, Ford Maddox board. Stairs rise to the rear dies: Design For Murder (2000); Blithe Spy (2002); his film successes Ford, Edith Nesbit (author landing. First floor: First and A Bullet At Balmain's (2003). were, they have some- of The Railway Children) floor landing – range of BBC Radio 4 - Saturday, December 11th 2004 - 2:30 - how been obscured by his many other achievements. In Coward on and exposed timbers, concealed 3:30 p.m. (For those NC Society Members attending Film: The Cinema of Noël Coward, Barry Day restores the balance by Joseph Conrad were radiator, door to rear land- the AGM and annual lunch, the play can be heard documenting every film based on Coward's work and/or in which he amongst others who made ing, doors to the principal over the internet for 7 days after the broadcast - appeared. The result is an astounding list of film credits, including - on their homes nearby, as did bedrooms. Bedroom 2 http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/drama - click on the occasion - that of composer. Judged on his contribution to cinema Henry James in Rye. Noël (NW) Exposed wide gauge Saturday Play.) alone, Coward would have left a legacy matched by very few. Society Coward’s visitors book floorboards, leaded light members can get a discount of 20% on this book which will be would doubtless duplicate many names rises to the first floor. Room doubles as window, built in wardrobe with hanging launched in the UK in March 2005. Details of how to claim your dis- from Who’s Who and Burkes Peerage of a sitting room. Door to kitchen breakfast rail and storage cupboard and drawers to count will be in the next Home Chat. The book will be available in the the time. Despite the charm and intrinsic room, ancient oak door opens to: Dining one side. Bedroom 3 (NW) Exposed tim- US from December. Details will be sent to US/Canadian members by beauty of the area, Noël Coward was room (NW & NE) Exposed wooden bers and studwork, concealed radiator. Ken Starrett. offended by the glorious sunsets which floorboards, double aspect, extensive Family bathroom (NW & SE) Panelled have attracted generations of artists. exposed studwork, ceiling timbers, mas- bath, pedestal washbasin, WC, heated “Too red. Very affected”, he was moved sive bressumer beam over fireplace towel rail. This room has potential to be to comment while watching the sun set which has display niches to either side, divided to create two bathrooms if so THE SEPIA GALLERY across the Marsh. radiator covers, open studwork to the desired and subject to any necessary con- Another stunning autographed photograph has been sent in by Terence The Old Manor forms the older and prin- garden room. An ancient oak door leads sent. Bedroom 4 (SE) Window with Trimmer this time of Adrienne Allen (1907 to 1993). Adrienne played cipal part of the larger house previously to: Drawing room (SE) Enjoying views views over the garden, exposed timbers, Sybil when Private Lives opened at the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh on known as Goldenhurst Manor, which of the principal garden, exposed ceiling small washbasin, concealed radiator, fire- the 18th August 1930 with Noël, Gertie and Lawrence Olivier and con- was for 30 years the home of Noël timbers, radiators concealed behind cov- place with brick surround. tinued with the cast on the 5 week tour to Liverpool, Birmingham, Coward. It was considerably extended ers, large fireplace with bressumer beam From the landing a door leads to the rear and Southsea ending up at the Phoenix in London in during his ownership; the original build- and brick surround and hearth, range of landing. Bedroom 5 (SE) Exposed wood- September of the same year where the play ran for 101 performances. ing is believed to date from before the fitted bookshelves, French windows en floorboards, fireplace with brick sur- She was a friend of Coward’s and a regular guest at Les Avants. Less 17th Century (most probably being a open to the garden, an archway with round and tiled hearth with storage cup- acknowledged perhaps is that she was one of ’s three Kentish Hall House from the 14th open studwork leads to the garden room boards to either side, one with hanging wives and mother of Daniel Massey (1933 - 1998) to whom Noël was a Century, although there is no documen- and a door leads to the master bedroom space and one with shelving. Window godfather - we feature Daniel next month with another signed photo- tary evidence to support this) and is prin- suite. Garden room (SE) Brick floor, with view over the garden. graph from Terence Trimmer’s collection. Daniel, as Terence reminds cipally of timber framed construction, exposed studwork, solid door to the gar- Bedroom 6 (SE) Window with views us, played Noël in the film biography STAR!

Page 4 Page 9 over the gardens. of triple doors. To one side is a brick house is a ragstone terrace which adjoins Bedroom 7 (SE) Fitted cupboard, corner shed which houses the oil storage tank the garden room and the drawing room Noël Coward in America - The Best on CD washbasin. View over the garden. and at the rear of the house there is a and opens to the formal garden which is From the landing a door leads to: door which leads to the second cellar principally laid to lawn, contains a Noël Coward at Las Vegas But Matz is deft and discrete where he It is these four small-band-accompanied Cloakroom – WC. housing the oil fired boiler and hot water mature mulberry tree which was dam- needs to be, and there is a cracking songs which are my own personal A door from the rear landing leads to: cylinder. The gardens largely surround aged during the hurricane in 1987 and (1955): DRG 19037 arrangement for the song ‘A Bar On The favourites on this album, because of the Sitting room 2 (SW) Exposed wooden the house and to the front of the property subsequently died although a branch Noël Coward in New York Piccola Marina’, where muted trumpets inherent economy of their instrumenta- floorboards, restricted ceiling height, is a large lawned area with apple and which was blown across the garden has cupboard. Stairs return from here to the plum trees and enclosed by a further rejuvenated itself and provides an inter- (1957): DRG 19038 and clarinets in close harmony first point tion. ‘Half-Caste Woman’ and up the “fills” between lyric lines, and ‘Twentieth Century Blues’ are very simi- kitchen/breakfast room below. From the range of specimen trees. The barn sits to esting feature in the garden. The croquet (both 2003 reissues) then sustain chords and support harmony lar in their mood - a sort of nightclub sitting room a door leads to: Wine cellar the front of the house. The garden is lawn sits below the main lawn and in the section which starts “she’d just sit jazz treatment at a relaxed but strictly- – fitted with wine bins, sump to take divided from the lane by a white picket beyond the gardens is an area of wood- These recordings need little introduction there propping up the bar”, leaving the controlled tempo, concentrating on the away excess water. Hatch to the outside. fence and a high brick and ragstone wall. land. The end of the garden is enclosed to Coward enthusiasts, at least as far as piano at this point to flash in and out vocal line which is presented with excel- Outside: To the front of the house is the As well as the five bar gate there is also by a mature brick wall. their sleeve artwork is concerned, which with jazzy decorations. The drums are lent tuning and emphasis - and both fea- substantial brick and ragstone barn an oak pedestrian gateway in the wall has become almost iconic. Both of these present throughout, discreetly, but are ture a typically jokey Matz touch of sur- beneath a tiled roof which provides use- and a ragstone pathway leads around the Our thanks to Strutt & Parker for prio- recordings are essential “must-haves” for only brought to the fore exactly where it prising doublings in the tempo for the ful garaging and further garden storage house. There are a range of flower and viding the photographs and text for this the Coward collector/enthusiast, and both is most effective. You have to listen hard space of one bar in their second refrains, and is suitable for conversion and use for shrub borders and a mature fig tree and a piece. have much of exceptional interest to rec- to a quiet, melodic number such as as if the song had suddenly broken out of a variety of purposes subject to any nec- variety of other specimen trees and fruit ommend them, beyond the breathless ‘World Weary’ to discern exactly what it its self-control and been sharply reined in essary consents. It is accessed via a pair trees in the gardens. To the rear of the pace and command of his audience is that Matz has done, as it is sometimes again. In ‘Sail Away’ Matz produces a rather shy at first, ‘but with my well-known charm I put her at which Coward himself displays at Las so discreet - a single, quiet clarinet mov- surprisingly lush lyricism from such a Harold Nic ies ease and liked her very much’. Vegas: these 2 CDs encapsulate the his- ing on minims, perhaps - as to slip by limited combination of accompanying holson’s Diar Then we returned to the party. Rubinstein (Arthur Rubinstein, tory of Coward’s post-war “relaunch” of almost without being noticeable. instruments, with good use of richly and Letters1930-39 the Polish pianist, then aged 48) started to play Chopin. More his music to a new, originally American Paradoxically, in this context this is per- chordal piano figurations. people drifted in – the Winston Churchills, Madame de audience, and are as good a world-reach- haps the greatest accolade that can be However, it is principally on account of Edited by Nigel Nicholson, published by Collins in 1966 Polignac, Daisy Fellowes, Noël Coward, the Kenneth Clarks. ing legacy of the work of the late bril- paid to such musical craftsmanship. the song ‘Time And Again’ that I particu- The following extracts have been sent in by Madame de Polignac sat herself down near the piano to listen liant accompanist/arranger Peter Matz as However, it is in the studio recordings larly treasure this album. It amounts to a Barbara Longford. to Rubinstein. I have seldom seen a woman sit so firmly: he is likely to get. for the following year’s album Noël completely new interpretation of a there was a determination in every line of her bum. It was by Coward In New York where Matz’s superbly-crafted song which without this From the Diary, 28th November, 1930 then 12.30 and Rubinstein (who is sadly losing his looks) had expertise as arranger and accompanist recording might be almost unknown. It To Noël Coward’s Private Lives and on to supper with Noël at played his third piece. It was quite clear that he was about to can be heard to best advantage. In one had made a brief appearance in the 1952 17 Gerald Road. An elaborate studio. Noël very simple and embark upon a fourth, and in fact Madame de Polignac was respect this album also stands as London cabaret shows, in which context nice. He talks of the days when his mother kept lodgings in tapping her foot impatiently at the delay. Then the King Coward’s own recording apogee, in that Hackforth remembered that “it didn’t Ebury Street and he himself had a top back room. Gradually advanced across the room: ‘We enjoyed that very much, Mr the quality of recorded sound as well as ever really work” (to my mind at least he began to make money and took the top floor for himself, Rubinstein.’ So that was that, and he then said goodnight all the timbre, tuning and control of his own partly on account of the rather scrappy finally descending to the first floor and ejecting the lodgers. round. But by then more guests had arrived, Gerald Berners voice are all superior to anything that he original orchestral arrangement) and ‘As I rose in the world I went down in the house.’ Completely and others, and by the time H.M. had got half through the had done before or that was to follow. from which it was soon dropped. The unspoilt by success. A nice eager man. guests we at our end by the piano had forgotten his presence, song is certainly worthy of Matz’s and and Noël Coward started to strum a jazz tune and to croon Coward’s reworking: it has elegantly- Harold Nicholson writing to Vita Sackville-West slightly. At which the King immediately resumed His Royal poised long lyric lines (each packed with 11th June, 1936 From 4 King’s Bench Walk, E.C.4. Seat. And I much fear that Rubinstein and Madame de neat internal rhymes) whose main The great event of the day was Sibyl’s dinner-party. Poor Polignac must have thought us a race of barbarians. rhymes are far distant and often unex- Sibyl – I had a feeling that it was her swan-song, but nonethe- Nonetheless it was very welcome when Noël sang Mad Dogs In the euphoria of his astonishing recep- pected. The musical lines modulate less it was a very triumphant one. (Her husband has just died and Englishmen and No, Mrs Worthington, and even if tion at Las Vegas, Coward wrote that agreeably and have the necessary span and she was selling her Chelsea house). I arrived to find Madame de Polignac failed to smile throughout, the rest of us Matz’s “orchestral arrangements and and growth to match and support the everything lit up lovely and the guests assembling – the relaxed somewhat. So that when an hour later, the King really variations are incredible - vital and imag- lyric structure, and the theme of the song Stanleys, the Brownlows, the Lamonts, the Rubinsteins, Bruce did leave us, the party had gone with a swing. inative. Sometimes they go too far for is so typical of Coward’s best work - a Lockhart, the Vansittarts, Buck De La Warr. I sat between I was glad for Sibyl’s sake, since I fear it is her last party in my personal taste, but I cannot fail to be relaxed but artful sigh of “heigh-ho” at Lady Stanley and Lady Brownlow. There were two tables. that charming house and never has it looked so lovely. She impressed by his expert knowledge of life’s richness and mess of emotions. Our young King and Mrs Simpson sat at one and the Lamonts managed it well. She only made one mistake, and that was to instrumentation.” In fact, for a lot of the The number finds its true voice and sat at the other. Then when the women went, we all sat at the sit on the floor with Diana Cooper to give a sense of informali- Las Vegas comedy numbers Matz accom- definitive tempo in this arrangement, King’s table, and I talked to Stanley about the Navy. ty and youth to the occasion. But Sibyl, poor sweet, is not panies most of the song on piano alone, which sets the whole song to a steady Afterwards I took the King downstairs. He said that the good at young abandon. She looked incongruous on the floor, but with orchestral introductions and It is a pretty good selection of varied beat, sparsely pointed in the accompani- Lindbergh dinner had been a great success. Anne had been as if someone had laid an inkstand there. endings. For example, the orchestral pieces, too, and at the time Coward ment but with Matz’z shafts of jazz piano instruments in ‘Nina’ are heard only in thought that the last recording session in improvisation adding a level of both the declamatory opening and then again particular, where four songs were accom- rhythmic and harmonic interest which is in the (quite long) coda; while panied just by Matz and a small group of almost worthy of Carroll Gibbons. The LIBRARY ADVERTISING SPACE Hackforth’s song ‘Loch Lomond’ (still expert individual instrumentalists on dou- whole is delivered in a deliciously laid- We ARE OFFERING to supply an A4 or A5 poster advertising The Noël Coward Society, to be placed in your local library or after 49 years mis-credited on the sleeve) ble-bass, trumpet, guitar and drums, had back swing jazz style which offers maxi- even a Main Library with a Music section. When you have gained permission, please let Celia (Membership Secretary) have the has just ten seconds of orchestra as it gone “fairly triumphantly”, and he wrote mum enjoyment of the clever cross- NAME-ADDRESS and POST CODE and she will send the poster and membership details direct to the library of your choice. builds to a climax at the end of the piece. in his diary of finding the results “excit- rhythmic stresses at the end of the “mid- Contact details: Celia Cologne, NCS Membership Secretary, 3, Somerville Road, Poulner, Ringwood, BH24 1XJ ing”. dle eight” passages. Tel: +44 (0)1425 478760, email: [email protected] Page 8 Page 5 ater! Devised and written by Barry Day as a tribute to the on with their lower middle-class lives despite the social and Chicago Humanities Festival Gielgud centenary. Program generously supported by the war-driven upheavals around them, here manifested mainly COWARD IN CHICAGO and This Happy Breed Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation. through a variety of tear-jerking personal involving their adult kids. Coward, a social conservative in many ways, The very small TimeLine Theatre Company was Coward play a 'Breed' of its own intended this long play as a tribute to the British stiff upper lip founded in 1997. Since its beginnings, one of its By Chris Jones and the fortitude required by those who just keep on carrying prime goals has been to create a kind of theatre that Tribune Arts Reporter on. A cynic might add that Coward also thought such a pro- sheds new perspectives on the moments, places and Despite his perennial association with hoity-toity toffs in pen- British piece of sentimental, patriotic drama - the pandering forces that define history. In a very short time, this guin suits, Noël Coward was, in fact, firmly lower middle closing monologue has to be heard to be believed - would bring company has become highly regarded for its pro- class. Like other aspects of his life, Coward's image as the in plenty of cash. But even though it might be too imperialist ductions of rarely-done plays. In September of 1999 consummate witty English gentleman was, at once, a brilliant for some, the piece is not without considerable wisdom, deft they acquired a small rehearsal and theatre space. self-invention and a studied self-obfuscation. As his nephew construction and careful personal observation. When done as Their work is presented in the round to a seating once noted in a BBC documentary, Coward actually was a man well as this, the play also will especially move those confronted capacity of 80 people. who liked his slippers and a steak-and-kidney pie. The rest was with the multifarious perils of parenting. On the evening of November 6, 2004 this company all a very clever act. You could, then, make the case that This Bowling's thoughtful, in-the-round show - a savvy choice for presented the Noël Coward play, This Happy Breed. Happy Breed (maybe along with The Vortex, for other reasons) the family period around Thanksgiving - adds some newsreel This play has seldom been seen in the United States. was Coward's most revelatory play, not least because it is set montages between the scenes, thus providing a useful look at Artistic Director PJ Powers, noted that no one in the social milieu from which Coward actually emerged, the social context as the years in the play peel away. There are remembers a produciton of the play ever being done rather than that from which he made his living. And since this moments when the pace and the performances get too ponder- in Chicago. Members from the Noël Coward Society playwright was more skilled in stylish deception than personal ous, but this nonetheless is a very classy, carefully - Barry Day, Rosemary Harris, Simon Jones, Steve revelation, it's no coincidence that it's also one of his most nuanced show. It's full of decent, authentic acting, including Ross and Ken Starrett - attended the premiere and rarely seen plays. But TimeLine Theatre Company is trotting Bill Bannon as the sweet guy next door, and the husky-voiced a party following the performance. Opening night of This Happy Breed in Chicago - L to R, Artistic Director, out a rare Chicago production thereof and a darn good one at Dana Black's unusual turn as Queenie Gibbons, the show's fall- The high quality of the acting, the staging and the PJ Powers, Isabel Liss, who portrayed Ethel Gibbons, the role originated that. Not only does director Nick Bowling manage to give this en woman whose terrible plight and subsequent redemption production values impressed everyone. Wonderfully well-made play the necessary sense of the epic, but thanks by Judy Campbell, Nick Bowling the Director with Rosemary Harris and turn out to be so unexpectedly affecting. created video montages of historical events were mainly to two unflashy but intensely credible and heartfelt Simon Jones who were appearing at the neighbouring Chicago Copyright © 2004, The Chicago Tribune shown during scene changes to clarifiy the play's performances from Terry Hamilton and, especially, Isabel Liss, Exploration of war's lasting scars is a Coward-ly triumph time span. We all became aware of how touching, Humanities Festival. as good old Frank and Ethel Gibbons, he also has the entire November 9, 2004 poignant and funny this neglected Coward gem could theater fighting back tears in the second act. This Happy Breed by Hedy Weiss Theater Critic be. The critical acclaim from the Chicago newspapers is neither a comedic soupcon nor a great drama. And one can Thanks to Ken Starret and Jeff Bierig and to Erik Unger who echoed our feelings discern a note of condescension therein. provided the photographs of Johnny G & Noël C at the This play was undoubtedly a surprise package that Told in nine scenes spread between 1919 and 1939, it's the tale Chicago Humanities Festival on page one of Home Chat provided a wonderful evening in the theatre. of one ordinary family, the Gibbons, who buckle down and get On March 20, 2004, the Chicago Humanities Festival has taken an advertisement in the pro- loose. Aden Gillett's Charles may be all and its Executive Producer, Ms. Eileen Mackevich gramme to encourage audiences to join smoking jacket, dry Martinis and boyish (an NCS Member) hosted a day-long seminar on var- us. Here is a review from . banter, but for all his apparent concern ious aspects of the life and works of Noël Coward. Penelope Keith as Madame Arcati ... for Ruth there is a hollowness in his On November 8, 2004 the Chicago Humanities knows which side her bread is buttered. heart, as there is in all men who refuse to Festival gave Coward fans in Chicago another treat What does it take to rock an apparently grow up and accept mature and equal when they presented the play by Barry Day - happy marriage and to bring the entire relations with women. Johnny G and Noël C. This delightful evening traces edifice tumbling down? It is the arrival of This is a man who events in the long-time friendship between John the ghost of flighty, amusing Elvira - rather likes the idea of Gielgud and Noël Coward , which began during The Charles Condomine's first wife, who has having his cake and Vortex in 1924 and lasted throughout their lives. been dead for seven years - that shakes eating it - Amanda Barry Day's crisp narrating supplied biographical the foundations of his second marriage to Drew's Elvira is so deli- notes. The evening's structure included selected Opening night of This Happy Breed in Chicago - L to R, Isabel Liss, Barry sensible, sophisticated Ruth in Noël cious that one does feel readings from plays and letters with Paxton Day and Hart a company member. Coward's play. tempted to gobble her Whitehead portraying Gielgud in a smooth polished Thea Sharrock's superb revival gets to the up - but who enjoys manner and Simon Jones enacting Coward with wry Jeff Bierig sent the marvellousparty email group the following press reviews under the heading: bitter heart of a play that begins as an even more the idea of sharp humor. Cabaret performer and pianist, Steve acutely observed period comedy but being free of women entirely. Ross started the proceedings with a bright and witty Quite a week for Coward fans in Chicago becomes something far more revealing The acting from every member of the cast overture of Noël Coward's music. At various times With the opening of This Happy Breed and Johnny G. & Noël C., and contemporary. Penelope Keith res- is impeccable, and in these days of thoroughout the evening the music pointed up events Coward fans had much to cheer about in Chicago. cues the spiritualist Madame Arcati, Friends Reunited and the lure of past in the two men's lives, such as the humorous rendi- Johnny G. & Noël C. - Monday November 8, 2004 whose seance wreaks such marital havoc, relationships over the dull reality of the tion by Mr. Jones and Mr. Ross of Three Juvenile From the day actor John Gielgud understudied Noël Coward in The from the realm of the dotty old fool, present, this Blithe Spirit is very much a Delinquents, a song Gielgud had done with Vortex (1925) they were the best of friends. In Johnny G. & Noël C. reimagining her as a middle-class enthu- play for today. and at the London Johnny (Veteran stage actor Paxton Whitehead) and Noël (actor Simon siast who knows on which side her bread Lyn Gardner Palladium. Rosemary Harris with sparkling charm, Jones) reminisce about the lives they led, the people they knew, and the is buttered, and exactly the effect she is Wednesday November 24, 2004 portrayed characters from Private Lives, The Vortex plays they had in common. The radiant Rosemary Harris plays their lead- Well it made it to the West End after a having. There is a lovely moment when The Guardian and Much Ado About Nothing. The standing ovation ing ladies, from Amanda in Private Lives to Beatrice in Much Ado to the very successful tour! The Society sent she checks her hair in the mirror before (Editor’s note: lastminute.com are cur- at performance end clearly reflected the audience Mother Superior she played opposite Johnny in his last stage perform- Penelope Keith some flowers when the the seance, like a diva about to take to rently offering best seats for the show at enthusiasm. ance in a play called Best of Friends. And cabaret favorite Steve Ross show opened at The Savoy Theatre and the stage. £30 a £10 discount!) Ken Starrett sheds lyrical light on Johnny and Noël's joint contribution to musical the- But there is a more dangerous fake on the Page 6 Page 7