DON’T MISS OUR NEXT UK SOCIETY EVENT ! JANUARY ‘Not Yet The Dodo’ at the Jermyn Street Theatre 2003 Saturday 30th August 2003 12.00 Noon

Before the Summer totally slips away and the Autumn season begins we present The cost to members for this a unique opportunity to see Not Yet The Dodo a selection of Coward’s poetry event is £50 which includes with music devised and directed by Tim Heath. As you may know, the title is that the price of the theatre ticket, IN THIS ISSUE of Coward’s first verse collection and also his long verse story, which is narrated the meal and wine. This issue is largely devoted TEN CHIMNEYS to the opening of Ten in the show. There is a musical accompaniment with Coward’s music and other Members may purchase an Chimneys with associated music - arranged by the late William Blezard. additional event ticket for one A THEATRICAL DELIGHT! articles on the Ten Chimneys The cast consists of the actors - Sheila Reid and Miles Richardson - and the guest at this same price. Estate and the lives of Alfred pianist Michael Haslam, who accompanied Lorna Dallas at the recent society Further guests are welcome at It is a rare privilege to be Lunt & Lynn Fontanne event at The Ivy restaurant. This show has been especially arranged by us for £55 per head. ‘there’ when something NCS members! extraordinary is born. The Page 1 - Report and pictures For those wishing to attend on the opening celebrations The show starts at 12.00 noon and lasts about one and a half hours. the theatre only - the cost is opening of Ten Chimneys for Ten Chimneys in Genessee Afterwards we shall be meeting for lunch next door at the Getti Restaurant. £25 per member. Members on May 26th, 2003 was just Depot, Wisconsin. may purchase an additional such an occasion. This Page 3 Ten Chimneys - The theatre ticket for one guest at unique theatrical estate that Estate lies in the Wisconsin Page 5 Alfred Lunt & Lynn this same price. Further Fontanne guests may purchase tickets countryside at the old train Page 6 Patricia Conolly at £28 per head. halt of Genesee Depot is Page 7 ‘Waiting For Coward’ the joyous result of over 70 at the Algonquin years of painstaking en- Page 8 Noël Coward Letters PLEASE COME ALONG Page 8 Bright Young Things AND JOIN US! deavour. Originally a 30 Page 10 Pt 2 of Noël Coward acre estate bought in the & Judy Garland interview The enclosed flyer includes an 20’s by the celebrated Page 11 Coward & Beethoven The entrance to the Main House theatrical couple Alfred /New Coward CD/Lakeland Sheila Reid Miles Richardson Michael Haslam application form that should be Lunt and Lynn Fontanne it became a rural summer retreat and eventual home until Blithe Spirit/Jester Noël sent to the event organiser: Page 12 Coward in TIME The menu at Getti’s is: Barbara Longford at: Lynn’s demise in 1983 when it passed into the hands of relatives under the care of Page 15 What’s On? Light pasta (vegetarian) starter 7, Argyll Mansions, London Alfred’s brother-in-law George Bugbee. In 1996 it was saved from redevelopment by Page 16 NCS EVENTS! Fresh salmon steak grilled with Mediterranean herbs, W14 8QG Joseph (Joe) Garton who established the Ten Chimneys Foundation. Joe initially raised potatoes & peas Home Tel: 020 7603 7399 the money from the sale of some of his award winning restaurants Cappucino roulade Work Tel: 020 7937 8692 and mortgaging his house. This amongst other outstanding civic Coffee Work Fax: 020 7361 3105 actions has been recognised both locally and nationally. Sean House wine is included with the cost of the meal. email: [email protected] Malone, the Acting President of the Foundation, is justly proud of the contributions of the donors, staff and volunteers. The restored estate and new Program Center reek of quality in planning, design, build and fitting. Ken Starrett and John Knowles attended the COMING SOON - EARLY 2004 ! opening reception on Saturday 26th May. Guests were greeted by a champagne reception on the main floor where collections of STEVE ROSS photographs, miniature theatres, video screens, stage and dressing room areas gave an insight into the fabulous world of the Lunts. A AT LONDON’S PIZZA ON THE PARK buffet supper was served on the lower floor to the music of Glen OUR 1ST EVENT IN 2004 Miller provided by ‘Command Performance’ a 20 piece dance FOR COWARD SOCIETY MEMBERS band dressed in period US army uniforms. >>>> Noël’s bedroom (upstairs) in the Main House “No Ross performance is complete without a heady dose of his personal icons, Cole Porter and Noël Coward. He may be the foremost interpreter of the legendary composers, and with tongue firmly planted in cheek he warns, “Don’t Put Your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs. Worthington” with impish glee. Coward’s haunting “I’ll See You Again” summons fond memories of “Bitter Sweet,” which climaxed with a departed Nelson Eddy in the clouds dueting with a weepy Jeanette MacDonald in her rocking chair. Teary stuff here, and sublimely framed.” Daily Variety - Robert Daniels

All correspondence for Home Chat to: The Noël Coward Society, 29, Waldemar Avenue, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 6TB Email: homechat@Noëlcoward.net Tel: +44 (0)1603 486 188 Fax: +44 (0)1603 400 683 The Program Center Main Floor in the Program Center Lunt-Fontanne Stage area Page16 NEXT SOCIETY EVENT - SAT. AUGUST 30th - JERMYN STREET THEATRE SEE BACK PAGE & FLYER The date for the opening celebration official tour! Martin remembers the WHAT’S ON? ACROSS THE GLOBE (Professional companies in red, amateur in black) was not chosen at random. It was Lunts well as he was their paper- “ ... ‘the play itself is what America & Canada the date of what would have been boy. He delivered papers to the counts.’ Mr. Lunt entertains quite Blithe Spirit the 81st wedding anniversary of the violent opinions about the actor - kitchen and was often rewarded by Mar- Apr 2004 Denver Center, Denver, CO Jul-Aug Atlantic Th. Co, Wolfville, NS star or bit player - who tries to Lunts who married on May 26, being invited to sit at the table and Jun-Aug Purple Rose Thr., Chelsea, Mich. Sep-Oct Utah (more information to follow...) 1922. try some of Alfred’s baking! When hog centre stage, who puts Hay Fever our tour entered the Drawing Room himself on a loftier plane than his 7-19 Jun The New Harmony Theatre Opening, Indiana. 20 Nov-13 Dec Grande Prairie Live Theatre, Alberta Martin remembered coming into the fellow-actors and the author’s 24 Jun-31 Aug Cedar City, Utah, USA June Westport Country Playhouse, Conn. room as a boy and seeing Alfred script - ‘not that I know any such Sep-Oct Pacific Repertory Thr., Carmel, CA Jul Highlands Playhouse, South Carolina and Lynn seated on two of the actors today.’ The important thing Design For Living antique chairs with Noël Coward sat is for everyone in the show to 5-13 Feb 2004 Amicus Productions Toronto, Ontario 8-17 May Gateway Theatre Guild, North Bay, ON at the card table! make good.” Present Laughter 2 Mar-1 Nov Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland OR. A full description of the Estate is A maxim that all at Ten Chimneys Foundation so clearly share! Relative Values 7 Jun-5 Jul The Metropolitan Cooperative Theatre Society, Vancouver BC provided in the following article Fallen Angels John Knowles taken from information provided by 18-31 Jan 2004 Bramalea Live Theatre, Brampton, ON 20-30 Dec School of Drama Arts, Windsor, ON the Foundation. For the visitor the Private Lives impression is one of a place of For those wishing to find out more 21-30 Aug Weston Playhouse in Weston, Vermont 20-30 Dec University of Windsor, Windsor, ON Napkin announcing the ‘Anniversary!’ fantasy where the two stars who about Ten Chimneys and the Lunts Sep-Nov Globe Thr., Regina, Saskatchewan., Canada, ; Jul-Aug Post Playhouse, Chadron, Nebr. the following should be of some Sep Riverside Thr., Iowa City, Iowa, Jul-Sep Santa Cruz, CA Those attending the celebration were so totally absorbed with each help: Jul to Aug The Red Barn Thr., Jackson Point, Ontario Aug-Sep PCPA Theaterfest, Santa Monica, CA were donors to the Foundation, other and their theatrical lives, lived The Ten Chimneys Website: Jul Pioneer Valley Summer Thr.,Easthampton, Mass. Jul Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, Ill staff, volunteers, supporters and out their dreams. Unreal though this may seem their world encompassed http://www.tenchimneys.org Aug Weston Playhouse, Weston, Vermont, Aug-Sep Lamb's Players Thr., Coronado, CA guests who danced until midnight Jan-Feb, 2004 Lyric Stage, Boston, Mass. May-June Olney Thr. Center, Olney, Maryland using their marked dance cards - a the local community who protected Books: Aug Capitol Thr., Port Hope, Ontario Apr- May, 2004 Irish Classical Thr. Buffalo, NY historic touch that ensured that them from the prying eyes of the 4-21 Feb, 2004 Tribal Productions, Thornhill, ON The Fabulous Lunts - A Biogra- most got up and danced! media and uninvited visitors. They Australasia phy of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Outside ‘candle bags’ lit the expan- employed local college boys and We Were Dancing/Shadow Play/Red peppers 2 7 -26 Jul Brisbane (Press 10 Jul) Australia Fontanne by Jared Brown with a sive patio and verandas where a girls as their staff, paying them Blithe Spirit Forward by Helen Hayes published giant photograph of the Lunts looks twice what they could have earned 28 to 31 Aug Townsville, Queensland, Australia 15 Nov-20 Dec Melbourne Theatre Co Victoria in 1988 by Atheneum, New York. Rest of the World out from a large picture window elsewhere. Martin recalls that he This book is out of print but used Private Lives Current Pieter Toerien Productions, Cape Town, Grahamstown, Jo’burg, South Africa across the woodland so reminiscent benefited from their payment of $2 copies can be obtained from: United Kingdom of the woodlands of Epping Forest more than the normal paper delivery Applause Books; Website: http:// Hay Fever in South Woodford, Essex, England charge. Their generosity extended www.applausebooks.com 17-21 Jun Kelvin Players DG The Redgrave Theatre, Bristol 19-21 Jun Newnham College Gardens, Cambridge where Lynn was born and brought beyond payments for services. Address: 211 W 71st St. 4-5 Jul Summit Estate Hall, Hackney, London up. On the Monday following the During the war years they worked Nude With Violin 7-14 June Stockport Garrick Theatre, Stockport, Cheshire (just W of Broadway) celebration, Ken and I went on the at the Stage Door Canteen. Lynn Present Laughter New York City, 10023 first tour of Ten Chimneys. As this would be serving the servicemen, 16 to 18 Oct Union Theatre, The Village Hall, Dorridge, Solihull 11-14 Jun Charles Cryer Theatre, Carshalton Tel: (212) 496 7511 was the first tour our group of 11 but Alfred would be working behind 16-21 Jun The Roundhouse, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria Fax: (212) 721 2856 visitors were photographed in every the scenes cooking, washing up the Fumed Oak 13 &14 Dec Phoenix Players, Village Hall, Abertin, Glamorgan Stagestruck - The Romance of Still Life 13-15 Jun Havenstreet Railway, Station Ryde, IOW room as we journeyed through or dishes and putting out the garbage! Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne Fallen Angels 15-24 Aug Hever lakeside Theatre, Kent around the nine buildings that make They never saw themselves as stars by Maurice Zolotow published by Relative Values 31 May-7 Jun Halifax Thespians at The Playhouse, Halifax, West Yorkshire up the estate. Our tour guides needing special treatment. In an Fawcett Publications. This out of Bitter Sweet 10-14 June Maidenhead Operatic Society at Maidenhead Town Hall. www.mos-uk.org. (docents) were Lucille Justice and article in the November 1936 edition print paperback can be found on Blithe Spirit Martin Dable. Lucille has taken of Theatre Arts Monthly, Alfred Internet used book sites. 10-15 June The Guildhall, Oswestry, Shropshire 6 Jun-31 Oct Theatre By The Lake, Keswick, Cumbria over a hundred groups around the talks about the working methods of 11-16, 18-30 Aug Jill Freud & Co, Southwold Design For Living a new book estate prior to the opening and as actors, where he clearly espouses 18-25 Oct Bolton Little Theatre (With member Andrew Close as Charles Condomine) about the Lunts and Noël Coward the most experienced docent was the selfless approach to interpreting 19-12 Jun Memorial Hall, Hook Norton, Oxfordshire 20-21 Jun Deverell Hall, Portsmouth, Hampshire by Margot Peters due out soon. the ideal person to lead the first a play: 20-21 Jun St Aidan’s College, Durham, County Durham 22-325 Oct St. Mary’s Ch. Hall, Middlesborough Private Lives 19 Sep-11 Oct Theatre Royal, York 5-8 Nov The Arts Centre, Harrow, Middlesex 17-22 Jun Clare College, Cambridge 19 Sep to 11 Oct Theatre Royal, York Waiting In The Wings 30 Sep to 4 Oct The Old Market, Brighton Critics Choice ***** One of the pieces uses Coward’s song Dearest Love

All What’s On? entries provided by Samuel French (UK & Canada), Alan Brodie Representation and members. Write to Home Chat to get your production included, to: The Noël Coward Society, 29, Waldemar Avenue, Hellesdon, Miniature Theatres Lunt-Fontanne Marquee ‘Command Performance’ Band Norwich, NR6 6TB Email: homechat@Noëlcoward.net Tel: +44 (0)1603 486 188 Fax: +44 (0)1603 400 683 Page 2 Page 15 from gallery and pit at the premiere and Miss Lawrence scrambled on dignity, greatness and peace About Ten Chimneys – The Estate of Sirocco, noise which his beaming the floor after she had cracked a again.” Here was something and happily deaf mother mistook for phonograph record over his head. more than the world dared to Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne purchased undeveloped land in original prints, converted pre-Civil applause. Someone spat in his face Even this delicious bit of business expect from a “song & dance designed and decorated Ten Chim- Genesee Depot where he and his War oil lamps, French bottles, as he left the theatre. had its roots in earlier Coward man,” a range and flexibility of neys the same way they crafted family had often picnicked. He then Spanish statues, and much, much His world suddenly gone to pieces, work. The Rat Trap (unproduced) talent that was grounded on more each performance — one delightful personally designed the first portion more – all with personal connec- Noël Coward was persuaded with not only ended its second act in than disillusioned cleverness. detail building upon another. Each of Ten Chimneys’ Main House as a tions, theatrical references, and difficulty by Producer Charles B. similar vein but its third as well. Some people work hard because room was carefully dressed as if it home for his mother and half- coexisting in perfect harmony. Cochran to continue his work on the Perhaps it all goes back further than they like to. Playwright Coward were a stage set. Their choices sisters. In 1922-23, after the Lunts Desks, closets, safes, and book- revue This Year Of Grace. It was a that, for when he was a child is one of them. A good part of were more about theatricality and were married, the house was exten- shelves are overflowing with gratifying, vindicating triumph. For Playwright Coward once bashed a the time his mind must be as whimsy than opulence. After all, sively remodeled and the chicken irreplaceable and treasured arti- two seasons “A Room With A little girl on the head with a spade teeming as the last week of a why use real marble when you can coop was converted into a cottage facts from the Lunts and their View” and “Dance Little Lady” because she would not take seri- rehearsal. So well had he men- tease your audience with surprising for Lynn and Alfred to live in when friends: scores of first edition books tinkled away the twilight tea-dance ously her part in one of his nursery tally planned Hay Fever that he trompe l’oeil? Yet, despite meticu- they weren’t performing. hand inscribed by friends like hour on both sides of the Atlantic. productions. wrote it during a house-party lous planning, Ten Chimneys exudes Most of the renovations and addi- Alexander Woollcott and Edna Then in 1930, the apotheosis of the At this point came a new twist in weekend. Private Lives was the an easy comfort. tions to Ten Chimneys took place Ferber; personal hand-made gifts Coward comedies, Private Lives, the playwright’s career which product of a weeks flu-confine- Ten Chimneys’ historic furnishings, during the 1930s. In 1932, eight from intimates Helen Hayes and appeared. All the old tricks were amplified his versatility, provided an ment in a Hong Kong hotel. The hand-painted murals, enchantingly years after signing the contract that Noël Coward; snapshots of the record is sagging. It took months personal décor, tender mementos gave them every summer off, the Lunts with Charlie Chaplin or the of voyaging in South American and diverse collections are still Lunts decided to move into the main Queen Mother; letters from de- waters for him to jot down intact and unchanged since the house themselves. Alfred’s mother voted protégé Laurence Olivier; Design For Living. Lunts first assembled them in the and one-half sister moved into the and on and on. Even outdoors, the Playwright Coward is not to be 1920s and 1930s. And the magic is chicken coop cottage, which the birch trees that populate the estate found at fashionable resorts, as a undiminished. As guests are wel- Lunts renamed “the hen house.” In were a gift from Alexander rule, nor in social columns. He comed through the Lunts’ remark- the same year, a Swedish log cabin Woollcott, and the beautiful copper likes beer. In spite of his knocka- able creation, they are surprised and was disassembled in Sweden, mermaid on top of the pool house bout experience, he is still given then moved by countless details. shipped over to America, and was designed by Cecil Beaton, who to emotional flights. Not long ago The comforting slope of the dining reassembled on the grounds of the crafted it himself as a gift to the he rushed into Fred Astaire’s room ceiling. The flirtatious glance Lunts’ estate as a Studio for artistic Lunts. dressing room “Freddie!” he of a milkmaid in the upper hallway. creation and collaboration. In 1934, Created with the same humanizing exclaimed. “When I see you The patina of the poolhouse cupola. final additions were made to the wit and passion for perfection that dance I want to cry.” The décor at Ten Chimneys mirrors Main House, giving it six chimneys distinguished their stage perform- It is possible that most of the the lives and experiences of the (from a multitude of fireplaces and ances, Ten Chimneys is the Lunts’ Coward works are perishably Lunts, with mementos from interna- Swedish stoves). Added to the three most enduring and tangible artistic dated. But he knows the theatre tional trips, remembrances from chimneys at the Cottage and the one legacy. For decades, their idyllic as few have known it. What he treasured friends, pervading theatri- at the Studio, the estate now had ten retreat beguiled and inspired the may do with this knowledge later, cal techniques, and countless chimneys, and a new name from its country’s finest actors, writers, none can say. Although his personal references. Ten Chimneys devoted owners. designers, directors, and artists. No excursions into serious drama are is as personal as a diary. As guests As they were creating each room of invitation was more coveted. Alfred Lunt, Noël Coward and Lynn Fontanne - Design For Living represented to date by The journey through the estate, they are the estate as a stage set, the Lunts In May 2003, Ten Chimneys brought to shining perfection in a explanation for the underlying motif Vortex, Cavalcade and Post surrounded, and often inspired, by invited a prominent scenic and Foundation has expanded Ten play which related the high-jinx of a of his comic sense. Mortem - none of them deathless Lynn and Alfred’s creativity, passion costume designer from the Theatre Chimneys’ list of privileged guests divorced couple who found them- For Playwright Coward, War is - most of his fellow subjects and humor. Guild, Claggett Wilson, to visit Ten by transforming this private jewel selves on respective second honey- anathema. The closest approach his would call Noël Coward the First Nestled in the rolling Kettle Moraine Chimneys and help them. Wilson into a public treasure. moons with decidedly the wrong comedies make to profundity is this Englishman of the British Stage. of southeast Wisconsin (and sur- thought he would spend a month people. The divorced couple were philosophy; let us be merry today That opinion was shared by rounded by a 90-acre nature pre- there painting one mural. He ended TIMELINE impersonated by Mr. Coward and for yesterday (1914-18) we died. To hundreds of U.S. citizens who, in serve), the estate includes the up spending more than two years at 1914 — Alfred purchases first the little girl from Miss Conti’s, prove his point he wrote two a cold drizzle, formed a block- elegant three-story, 18-room main Ten Chimneys painting murals on parcel of land in Genesee Depot Gertrude Lawrence of the comely strongly sentimental dramas. The long ticket queue in front of the house, a quaint 8-room country walls and ceilings throughout the 1915 — Main House designed by back. The playwright still stuck to first Post Mortem (unproduced), theatre four days before last cottage, an 18th-century Swedish estate, in addition to creating other Alfred and constructed stichomythy, a tendency reflected in exposes the social dissolution week’s opening in Manhattan - a log cabin (used as a studio for the unique decorative effects using 1919 — Lynn makes her first visit last week’s production. Some of his observed by a young ghost who Broadway phenomenon unseen era’s artistic and theatrical elite), a intricately cut-out wallpaper and a to Ten Chimneys dialog was as bitter and bright as returns from Flanders. The second since the Depression. If accom- unique pool and pool house, a variety of inventive stage tech- 1922 — Cottage converted from Alice In Wonderland. Cavalcade, is a tragic cyclorama plishment counts for anything, creamery, a greenhouse, barns, niques. chicken coop to residence The funniest sequence in Private which begins with the Boer War Noël Coward would appear to stables, and other outbuildings. The estate is filled with remarkable 1923 — Main House remodeled Lives was the rough-and-tumble and ends in 1930 with the hope that have knuckled out a fairly work- In 1914, Alfred Lunt came into an collections of art and artifacts: Delft 1924 — Lunts insist on every finale of Act II in which Mr. Coward “this country of ours may find manlike design for living himself. inheritance from his father and china, Staffordshire figures, rare summer off to retreat to their Page 14 Page 3 beloved Ten Chimneys BUILDINGS AT TEN CHIM- Studio (18th-century Swedish log band returns from Chicago he is his works running in London during was very emotional, but full of 1931 — Cottage remodeled NEYS cabin) told that the three will resume their a single season, a record equalled brains.” 1932 — Lynn and Alfred move private offensive against the social only by the late Edgar Wallace. A Consider him now as a young fellow from Cottage to Main House Main House – including… Pool & Poolhouse code. While he expostulates against few blocks away from the Manhat- hanging around casting agencies, 1932 — Studio built Entry Hall Greenhouse & Creamery the madness of the incorrigable trio tan theatre housing his Design For writing occasional tunes and skits 1933 — Pool built Garden Room Barns, Stables, and Other Out- they slap their thighs with mirth. Living, last week a cinemansion for musicals, a period punctuated by 1934 — Addition made to Main Flirtation Room buildings The curtain falls, the play having was packing in well-bred audiences his threadbare trip to the U.S. House Drawing Room evidently solved all but the practical who seldom stoop to cinema, to Watch his thirsty hankering after 1938 — Designer Claggett Wilson Library difficulty of how Gilda, Leo and witness Cavalcade, his episodic elegance, dining, whenever he had begins 2-year project painting Belasco Room To contact Ten Chimneys write Otto can roll in the hay simultane- pageant of empire not yet legiti- the price, at Claridge’s, making wry murals throughout Ten Chimneys Dining Room to: ously. mately staged in the U.S. Further mental notes of the people who 1960 — Lunts retire to Ten Chim- Kitchen Ten Chimneys Foundation In spite of make-up that gives her down the street the shadow of could dine there every day. Watch neys Helen Hayes Bedroom Post Office Box 225 eyes a furry look and her old Claudette Colbert was to be seen him cuff down his juvenile embar- 1967 — Cottage remodeled Laurence Olivier Bedroom Genesee Depot, WI 53127 tendency to read her more dramatic fluttering across a screen version rassment with foolish youthful 1975 — Lunts donate acres of land Noël Coward Bedroom lines as though she were giving a (Tonight Is Ours) of one of Play- eccentricities. See him toss that to Town of Genesee Depot Master Bedroom or ring school room recital of Elektra, wright Coward’s most dismal flower box off his window sill 1983 — Ownership passes to Lynn’s Dressing Room 262.968.4161 - Telephone Actress Fontanne manages to be failures, The Queen Was In The because “the colours of it annoyed family members. Alfred’s brother- Lynn’s Sewing Room 262.968.4267 - Facsimile conspicuously charming in a role Parlour. Wherever he went last him.” Behold him in The Vortex, his in-law, George Bugbee, maintains 262.968.4110 - Tour Reservation that is not a paragon of lucidity. year - with the possible exception of first writing-acting success, backed estate Cottage - including… Line Actor Lunt is at all times expertly the Brazilian jungles - during an by newly-rich Michael Arlen. 1996 — Joseph Garton saves Living Room droll, although his parts in The enviably carefree junket, he could The next three years must have estate from commercial develop- Kitchen For additional information email at: Guardsman and Reunion In hear tunes he had written for Bitter- been passed by Playwright Coward ment and establishes Ten Chimneys Syrie Maugham Bedroom [email protected] Vienna appear to have permanently sweet, and the more recent Words in a mild delerium. He wrote Easy Foundation Library endowed him with a Central Euro- and Music simpering from phono- Virtue, Fallen Angels, Hay Fever, Bugbee Bedroom pean accent. Actor Coward, par- graphs and radios. With his own two This Was A Man, Home Chat, The ticularly when he is imitating a hands, long head and (when he Marquise, The Queen Was In The butler on the telephone and giving danced and sang for This Year Of Parlour. Hay Fever was the cream an interview to the Press, is, if Grace in 1928-29) nimble feet and of his crop. Most of these comedies possible, more suavely comic than voice he has made a comfortable had in common the impact of ever. fortune. In London a capable and Continentalism on the stolid con- Design For Living, which some adoring staff that address him as servatism of Old England. Long and spectators may find a bit decadent “the Great White Father” handles often very delightful passages of in spots, is a worthy sucessor to, if his business for him. mutual abuse were to be found in not an entertaining equal of, the It was not always so, as will testify the majority of these plays which playwright’s previous Private the deep sardonic lines which frame were also masterpieces of padded Lives. Its deficiency is in the kind of his smiling mouth like a stern pro- wisecracking. The Coward tech- hysterical laughter which in Private scenium. nique of short crackling speeches Lives fairly convulsed the gracest Like another British dramatist who developed to the point at which one sophisticate and exalted Noël was good too, Noël Coward was statistician could count 158 con- Coward to the front rank of fun- born on a river bank on the Thames secutive “sides” of three lines or makers. at Teddington, a London suburb. His less in Act I of Hay Fever. The Noël Coward is conceded to be the mother kept a boarding house, Greeks had a word for this system; cleverest of living English drama- pinched and scraped so that she and stichomythy, dialog one line at a tists. Some go further, advancing Noël could occasionally go to a time. the premise that in the last hundred theatre. When he was ten he knew Suddenly and inexplicably, in 1927, years only Disraeli, Wilde and Shaw the smell of the greasepaint. He was the British public took it into its mind have started from nothing and sent to a dramatic school run by to administer a brutal, heartless conquered England as Mr. Coward Italia Conti, one of Britain’s best. spanking to its precocious Bright has conquered. There was another moppett there Boy of the Theatre. Perhaps the Few indeed are the aspiring play- named Gertrude Lawrence. playwright’s thoughtless, perverse wrights who would not give their Directress Conti recalls: “Little Noël statements to the Press had some- eye teeth to be in Noël Coward’s Coward was a shy, bashful child and thing to do with it. Perhaps people tan buckskin shoes. Aged 33, he has used to sit on my knee in the lodg- were irritated by his appearance at written or collaborated on 23 plays ings and cry because he was so a night club in a mauve polo jumper. and musicomedies since 1920. One terribly homesick. Little Noël was a Perhaps his brand of fun was not as out of three have been huge suc- clever boy, but I never regarded him amusing as it once seemed. At any cesses. At one time he had five of as normal, even in those days. He rate a tirade of ugly booing arose

Page 4 Page 13 NOËL COWARD IN TIME ... Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne For his birthday Barry Day Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne are on the American stage prior to the was a home for the arts – literally received something he had been widely considered the greatest Lunts. In fact, the Lunts’ devotion and metaphorically. seeking for some time ... acting team in the history of thea- tre. Not willing to simply coast on A copy of the January 30th , their extraordinary natural talent, the Lunts were consummate 1933 Time magazine which had a professionals. Their passion for major feature on Noël and his excellence and commitment to the new play ‘Design For Living.’ art of live theatre was legendary, even at the beginning of their First Englishman careers. Twelve years ago an ambitious, By the mid 1920s, Alfred Lunt and talented young Englishman came to Lynn Fontanne were the two most Manhattan and was disheartened to respected, most popular, most find the Land of Opportunity a critically acclaimed, and highest- place where one seemed to bide paid stage actors in the US. At the one’s time between lying in bed in a height of their individual careers, cheap hotel, counting squashed they made a remarkable decision. insects on the ceiling, and sitting on They each took enormous pay cuts park benches, angry. This U.S. (from $900 per week to $300 per appeared to have two high spots, week) to sign on with The Theatre however, in the persons of an actor Guild – a fledgling company dedi- and actress who were quite fond of cated to performing new and avant- Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne in the library at Ten Chimneys him. They were very considerate garde work by writers like Ibsen people. When the actress took him and Shaw. The Lunts believed to excellence was matched only by From the 1920s to 1960, the Lunts to sing and play the piano for his strongly that creating great theatre the respect and affection they had a prolific stage career, with supper at George S. Kaufman’s, she with broad impact was far more inspired in their peers and protégés over 40 plays. Although their first made sure that Mr. Kaufman also important than money. But since alike. movie together, The Guardsman, paid the cab. they were taking such large cuts in Biographer Maurice Zolotow wrote, was a critical and commercial Last week Manhattan audiences salary, they were able to put two “Lynn and Alfred projected an success, the Lunts hated the proc- witnessed the dramatic fruit of this clauses into their contracts that animal vitality, a spirit of gaiety and ess of making films and chose long, three-cornered friendship, would profoundly affect the rest of intense pleasure in being alive and instead to dedicate themselves to Design For Living, “a play about their lives and careers. in being in love. Separately, they the art of live theatre. The film three people who love each other First, the Lunts insisted that they be had been original and brilliant studios, however, were falling over very much.” The erstwhile young about to switch her allegiance from hopes, peace. When Leo and allowed to act together, rather than actors. Together, they were an themselves to sign the Lunts. Englishman, Noël Coward, had Otto (Mr. Lunt), a painter, to his Otto meet and read their letters in separate plays. From the time irresistible expression of the life Whoever signed them was sure to written it and was acting in it. So good friend, playwriting Leo (Mr. they collapse in mutually bran- they signed on with The Theatre force – of the joy of living.” make a fortune. Not only were they were Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fon- Coward). According to Leo, he and died bathos. Guild to the time they retired from The other requirement of the the best-known actors throughout tanne. Gilda have just gone for “an unpre- Two years later Gilda is inhabit- the stage in 1960, the Lunts only contract with The Theatre Guild the country, but because the Lunts The situation with which Design meditated bit in the hay.” ing a gaudy penthouse full of appeared together – as a team. was that the Lunts would never act were so respected by other actors, For Living concerns itself is some- Act II discovers Leo and Gilda Grand Rapids moderne furni- And as impressive as their indi- in the summer, so they could instead whichever studio signed the Lunts what unusual for light comedy - comfortably sinning in an attractive ture which she is selling to vidual careers had been, that was come to Ten Chimneys to retreat, was likely to sign all of the other polyandry. Act 1laid in Paris, finds London flat. Both, however, pine for people with more money than nothing compared to their impact relax, and rejuvenate. And every “greats.” Finally, in 1932, one studio Actress Fontanne as Gilda (pro- their absent crony Otto. Gilda, it taste. Suddenly in the midst of a together. The Lunts were instru- summer they did just that. Because offered the Lunts $1,000,000 for a nounced Jilda), an interior decorator appears, is not as happy as she party Leo and Otto appear, mental in the transition of American the Lunts were so widely loved and two-film deal. Lynn was reported to vaguely troubled by the uncertainties might be with Leo’s theatrical identically and immaculately theatre from oratory (or declama- respected, “everyone who was tell the studio head, “My dear sir, of life. There are times when she successs. While he is away at a clad in faultless evening dress. tion) to naturalism. They revolution- anyone” in theatre, the arts, litera- we can be bought, but we cannot wishes she could believe in “God house party up bobs Otto, fresh They have, it seems, been ized theatre with innovations that ture, etc. wanted to come to Ten be bored. No more films.” and the Daily Mail and Mother from a voyage on a tramp steamer. travelling. “You must forgive we now accept as commonplace: Chimneys to be with and work with In 1958, the Lunts began the India.” Physiological studies do not “The circle has turned,” says he, our clothes,” says urbane Leo. overlapping dialogue, turning their the Lunts. The estate, almost American run of what would be wholly satisfy her. (“If you knew “and it’s my turn now.” But next “We just got off a freight boat.” backs to the audience, passionate inevitably, became an important their final stage performance – The what was going on inside you, you morning Gilda leaves notes for both Soon the safely married Gilda physical contact, and a level of place for artistic creation, discus- Visit. The play opened in the newly would probably be bitterly of- her lovers, goes off to Manhattan to succumbs to their witty charms, truth and realism in everything they sion, and inspiration. More than just dedicated Lunt-Fontanne Theatre fended.”) In her quandary she is marry an art broker and find, she and when the art broker hus- did that simply could not be found the Lunts’ home, Ten Chimneys Page 12 Page 5 Essex, England on December 6, on Broadway, honoring the couple 1933 — Alfred, Lynn, and dear NOËL COWARD & for their extraordinary contribution 1887 friend, Noël Coward, appear in LAKELAND BLITHE to American theatre. 1892 — Alfred born in Milwaukee, Coward’s play, Design for Living BEETHOVEN Once the Lunts retired from the Wisconsin on August 12, 1892 1958 — Lunt-Fontanne Theatre SPIRIT stage in 1960, they lived in their 1910 — Alfred attends Carroll named on Broadway – recognizing SHARE DATES? The Theatre By The Lake at Keswick in beloved Ten Chimneys year-round College in Waukesha, WI the greatest acting team in the Member Thomas Gerrity points out the Lake District is featuring a profes- and spent many happy years there 1916 — Lynn moves to America history of theatre in a recent letter to Ken Starrett in sional revival of Blithe Spirit for the enjoying the extraordinary retreat 1919 — Alfred and Lynn meet on 1960 — Alfred Lunt and Lynn the US that the recent anniversary Summer 2003 season. It previews on they had created together. Alfred Broadway Fontanne retire from the stage of Sir Noël’s passing calls to mind Thursday 5th June and is directed by passed away in 1977, at the age of 1922 — Alfred and Lynn marry at after more than 40 plays that Coward (1899 - 1973) and the Stefan Escreet and designed by Martin 84. Lynn passed away six years City Hall in New York on May 26, 1964 — Lunts receive Presiden- classical composer Ludwig van Johns. later, in 1983, at the age of 96. A 1922 tial Medal of Freedom Beethoven (1770 - 1827) have in Tickets £17.50, £16, £13, £10. Matinees: monument at their grave reads, 1924 — Alfred and Lynn sign on 1970 — Lunts receive special common something extraordinary, if £10. Discounts: Over-60s: £1 off all “Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne with fledgling art house theatre Lifetime Achievement Tony not unique: each composer was born prices. Groups (10 or more): £1.50 off all were universally regarded as the company, The Theatre Guild. Based Award on 16 December and died on 26 prices. Students, under-16s, registered greatest acting team in the history of on stipulations made in contract 1977 — Alfred Lunt dies in a March. unwaged: £8. Preview: £5 the English speaking theatre. They Lunts only appear on stage together hospital in Chicago on August 3, He goes on ‘... as to the reaction of were married for 55 years and were for over 35 years. Until they retire 1977 at the age of 84 each to this uncanny coincidence, Tickets and information 017687 74411 inseparable both on and off the from the stage Lunts insist on every 1980 — Lynn receives Kennedy Madame Arcati could perhaps Open daily 9.30 am - 8.00 pm. Several stage.” summer off to retreat to their be- Center Honor conduct a Seance to invoke their NVCS members have already booked to loved Ten Chimneys 1983 — Lynn Fontanne dies in spirits blithe or otherwise.’ see the production in this wonderful TIMELINE 1931 — Lunts’ only full-length her bed at Ten Chimneys on July lakeland setting. 1887 — Lynn Fontanne born in motion picture, The Guardsman, 30, 1983 – at the age of 96 released by MGM ‘NEW’ Noël CD - Past Perfect PPCD78150. A collection of mostly available items. There is, however, one was in the Broadway productions of mixed notices it is doing good rare item - Greta Keller singing “Never Again” - recorded in 1939 from “Set to Music” - before reappearing in PATRICIA CONOLLY Waiting in the Wings (Rosemary business.The contrast between ‘Sigh No More’. Miss Keller was a great friend and admirer of The Master - I visited her several times in the 50’s Harris and Lauren Bacall) and the visual starkness of the 1st Act and when discussing what was her first LP she said she wished it had included “Never Again”...she looked through Blithe Spirit (Richard Chamberlin) and the beauty of the Tuscan her cabinet of 78’s, but said it must have been transferred to her home in Vienna.....so it was a real treat to hear it and has also done Private Lives, terrace in the 2nd raises a gasp at long last. What a lovely, much neglected number. Design for Living and Hay Fever. from the audience when the Stephen Marshall In her “spare time” she is often seen curtain goes up after the interval - doing play readings for various Ken and John loved it! Patricia theatre companies. She is a member steals the 2nd Act, she speaks JESTER NOËL COWARD HOLDS COURT IN ‘THE GOLDFISH’ only one word of English ‘marvel- of The Acting Company’s Actors A recent acquisition is this copy of a lous!’ the rest is Italian riven with Advisory board and for that organi- famous early Noël Coward photo- gestures, nods and expressions zation has done many readings graph issued in this case as a press We are very happy to report that that bring the house down! including Coward’s Hands Across photograph on the death of Noël PATRICIA CONOLLY, a member the Sea and most recently Mother Coward in Jamaica in 1973. of the Noël Coward Society in New and Son (an adaptation of the novel It is of course Noël as Prince Mussel York is currently starring on Broad- by Ivy Compton-Burnett) She also (Court Jester) in Lila Field’s The way in Enchanted April, a stage appeared in Elizabeth Sharland’s Goldfish in 1911. Noël is on the right version of the 1921 novel by Eliza- Waiting for Coward at the jesting to the king and his court. The beth Von Arnim. This delightful and Algonquin (see Page 7). Ken typed ‘part-scripts’ that were left as versatile actress has had a long and Starrett and John Knowles went to part of Lila Field’s estate have now busy career in such Broadway see Enchanted April at the Belasco been acquired by the Noël Coward productions as The Sound of Music, Theatre. It is the story of four Special Collection at Birmingham The Heiress and A Small Family Englishwomen who forge lasting University after they were spotted at Business. She has worked exten- bonds of friendship and rediscover David Drummond’s book shop in sively in her native Australia, in Cast: romance during a month at an idyllic Cecil Court, London by an interested London’s West End (including Rose Arnott - Molly Ringwald Italian villa. The book of the play by Mrs. Garves - Elizabeth Ashley US NCS member! Virginia with Maggie Smith) with Matthew Barber is based on Lotty Wilton - Jayne Atkinson (up for a Tony!) There is an individual script for the Royal Shakespeare Company, at the1922 novel, which was adapted Mellersh Wilton - Michael Cumpsty Prince Mussel that may well have Stratford Ontario’s Shakespeare into a 1992 film with Joan Plowright Frederick Arnott - Daniel Gerroll Alfred Willmore aka Micheál MacLiammóir (King Goldfish), Cuthbert been used by The Master himself. Festival (Regan with Peter Ustinov’s and Miranda Richardson. The play Lady Caroline Bramble - Dagmara Dominczyk Howard (Black Pearl), Eric Lascelles (King Starfish) King Lear) and most of America’s is a charming piece that reminds one Anthony Wilding - Michael Hayden & Noël Coward (Prince Mussel/Court Jester) best regional theatres. No stranger of the days when the West End was Costanza - Patricia Connolly The Noël Coward Special Collection is at Birmingham University Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT to the plays of Noël Coward, she full of such comedy dramas. Despite Michael Wilson (Director) Page 6 Page 11 NOËL COWARD interview part 2 WAITING FOR COWARD - AT THE ALGONQUIN This edition of Home Chat sees the get into a nice car and drive to they see and it’s up to me to see On 5 May in New York, the English happily amused by the bright introduced Alan Kogosowski, a last part of the transcription of a Martha’s Vineyard and have a that they see what I want them to Speaking Union sponsored an event performances of Patricia Conolly, classical pianist from Australia taped interview featured in My Life lovely holiday with Kit Cornell see. The critics come into that to commemorate Sir Noël Coward Arlene Sterne, Patrick Tull and presently in New York for appear- With Noël Coward and sent in on and lie in the sun. But, as I know theatre and get a first impression. on the 30th anniversary of his Laurence Isaacson. ances on Public Television. His tape by James Mathieson. We that last night had a wonderful Now, for instance, last night, death. This special occasion was Next on the program a medley of sensitive performance of two provided the first part of this audience, receptive and kindly which is a very good case in conceived and produced by Ms. Coward songs was presented by Chopin etudes found great favour. transcription in the January edition. and warm, the show, considering point, I had everything on my Elizabeth Sharland and was held at singer, Anna Bergman and her A warm response greeted the lovely Here is the rest ... it was an out of town opening, side. I had an extremely good the Algonquin Hotel. Her book accompanist, Alex Rybeck. A very actress Hayley Mills who told NOËL Judy, I’m much older than was remarkably slick. But now is cast, a very good orchestra, entitled “The British on Broadway” enthusiastic reception greeted her delightful anecdotes of her father, you and all my early years were when I start work... Because wonderful choreographer and a Sir John Mills and his associations spent understudying, touring what was seen on that stage last lot of very good material - which with Noël Coward. The appearance round the country in touring night was not a quarter of what I’m very proud of. What was of an unannounced surprise guest companies and gradually... wrong with it from my — Roger Moore — pleased the I certainly had my success point of view - and I audience enormously. With great early enough for anybody. I know this - there are charm he told very amusing stories was only in my early twen- certain moments when it of Noël Coward with whom he had ties. needs tightening. There done a live television production of JUDY How old were you are certain numbers “This Happy Breed”. when you did The Vortex? that occur here, when The evening finished with Ken NOËL Twenty-four. It they should occur Starrett speaking about the life and opened in London on my there. The first part of works of Coward and telling of the twenty-fifth birthday. It the play goes too long history and purpose of the Noël opened in Hampstead when without an ‘up’ number Coward Society. I was still twenty-four. And and it’s merely a ques- This most enjoyable evening was then I went through a tion of transposing. indeed a fitting tribute to “the dangerous stage after The There are a whole lot of Master.” Vortex when suddenly lines that might have Cast: everything became a suc- been hilariously funny Laurence Isaacson, Arlene Sterne, Patricia Conolly & Patrick Tull Margaret Rawlings - Patricia cess. Then I was in great but didn’t get over. I’ve (Photograph by Samuel Teicher 1561 Moffitt Ave, Hewlett, NY, 11557) Conolly danger. And I learned some seen it now with two Ronald Rawlings - Patrick Tull lessons, because I wrote good audiences and contains a history of the hotel and Rita Perkins - Arlene Sterne one or two things that now those lines will be lilting rendition of such favourites as an account of the many famous Percy Perkins - Laurence Isaacson weren’t so good. cut. That’s what. “Someday I’ll Find You” and “I’ll British actors who stayed there. by Ken Starrett JUDY But, darling, you JUDY I don’t remember See You Again.” Ms. Sharland Noël Coward was a frequent guest. wrote things that were a good line that any- Following dinner in the Round Table completely successful - body missed... room, guests assembled in the NOËL Booed off the stage NOËL There wasn’t a famed Oak Room for the evening’s and spat at in the streets at the I’m going to get out of this by the good line that anybody missed. It entertainment. The proceedings age of twenty-seven. Booed off time it gets to New York. And was the bad lines! began with a reading from a new the stage by the public on an even then I’ll be in trouble with In those tourist scenes, which play by Ms. Sharland called Waiting opening night and spat at outside the critics... I never said I was went terribly well last night, there for Coward. The play is about two the stage door. Three years later. grateful to the critics in my life - are interpolations from the other married couples on holiday from JUDY For what reason? because I’m not. Only occasion- people, which I thought were Britain, staying at the Algonquin. NOËL Because I’d made this ally - once or twice - I’ve had fairly funny - not a smile. And They have invited Noël Coward for meteoric rise. I had had five what is called a constructive after all, if it doesn’t get a laugh dinner and are awaiting his arrival. plays running at once and I was criticism. Generally they miss the with this audience, it won’t get a Over cocktails in a private suite the belle of the ball and they got point, poor beasts. They really laugh with any audience. Out they discuss their guest. Written in a sick of it. And I got careless. I don’t know much about it and if with it. And let’s tighten up so clipped style, titles of Coward plays thought it was easy. And it’s they did know much about it that we highlight the good spots. and songs are cleverly intermingled never easy. But that was a shock. they’d be doing it. They’re all But this is entirely and completely in the banter between the four It didn’t hurt me. Well, when writing plays like mad and all technical. Tonight I shall sit in people as they talk about their own you’re told - well say, for in- their plays are failures, so, the theatre with my secretary and lives and relationships (perhaps they stance, if I was handed a list of therefore, I know that I know make a note of every line I’m are the couples from Private Lives the compliments I was paid last more than they do. But, in fair- going to cut and I should think Roger Moore, Elizabeth Sharland & Laurence Isaacson (Photograph thirty years on?). The audience was night over this show, I would now ness to them, they judge what there’ll be over fifty ... Elizabeth Sharland Page 10 Page 7 The Bright Young Things - Lathom, Lancashire three-year period, a time when his The Noël friendship with Ned Lathom was The Ormskirk Advertiser and Each January from 1920 to 1922 a group of established and rising stars of at its closest. In 1922 Ned gave ‘A Short History of Lathom’ Coward the international theatre and concert hall trod the boards of The Lathom Coward further financial help; list the performers for each Club, Hall Lane, Lathom. The declared aim was to raise funds for the Club £200 to pay off his mother’s debts year’s Lathom shows as follows: leTTers - a leisure facility for the staff on the 3rd Earl of Lathom’s estate and the and to take her away to recuper- ate from the burden of running Noël’s life, thought and expression natural home for local social activity. 1920 the large lodging house at 111, Monday January 5th at 7.30 and on has now been well documented - By modern standards the promotion for these occasions was a very low key affair, a simple block of text on the front page of the Ormskirk Adver- Ebury Street, Belgravia that was Tuesday 6th at 3.00 & 7.30 pm particularly in recent years - but Coward’s home from 1917 to As given in the programme information there is still one large piece of the tiser buried amongst notices for forthcoming agricultural events, horse races, music tuition and local private schools. The evenings it promoted, 1930. Details of Noël Coward’s puzzle still missing. His life over the Christmas of 1921 Miss Ellen Tuckfield, Mrs. Howard correspondence. The Noël Coward however, were of far greater significance! Mr. Gerald Gardiner, Mr. Ivor Novello The cream of London’s glitterati, the Bright Young Things, transported are meagre to say the least and Letters. although it is possible that Coward Miss Olga Lynn, Mr. Robert Andrews themselves from the Ivy restaurant in the West End to the rural home of the Mrs. Ramsay, Mr. Collie Knox During the first three-quarters of the did join Ned’s theatrical guests, it 3rd Earl of Lathom, (Ned Lathom), for a unique theatrical occasion. In Lady Barbara Seymour, last century he knew and is hard to believe that he would or corresponded with just about anyone today’s world this would be like offering an evening’s entertainment at the Mr. Rowland Cash who was anyone and many who local village hall starring David Gray, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Elaine Paige, could have refrained from Lord Holmesdale, Mr. Alfred Turner Mr Allan Walton, Mr. Cave and aspired to be. They came from the Michael Crawford and Tom Courtney supported by the best of local talent - performing himself - such was Lord Lathom world of the theatre and cinema, all for the price of a good pub supper! the nature of this eager, ambi- These evenings were an opportunity for Ned’s famed guests to ‘let their literature, politics, the social scene tious and often precocious 1921 hair down’ and entertain what must have been an awe-struck audience. ... not to mention his beloved young man! As advertised in the Ormskirk Royalty. The programme was made up of established one-act plays and recitations, Entitled A Grand Entertain- Advertiser Why are the letters important? The current productions and new compositions - some ‘premiered’ at these ment by Lord Lathom’s Party Monday January 3rd, Tuesday 4th & autobiographies were Noël writing evenings. They were rehearsed during the New Year celebrations held at these shows certainly were Wednesday 5th at 7.30 pm to be publicly read. So, to a degree, Blythe Hall and in the Earl’s suite at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool in prepa- prestigious local events. On were the journals that became the ration for the Grand Entertainment. 25th and 26th April, 2003 at Miss Margaret Cooper and a Piano Diaries. The letters, though, were At the 1922 show the actor and writer Dion Titheradge was present to see The Lathom Club, Hall Lane, Mrs. Kat. Nesbitt, Lord Holmesdale Mr. Robert Harris, Mrs. Ramsay individual and personal, written from his sketch, The Green-Eyed Monster, performed. Mrs. Margaret Cooper Lathom John Knowles and Lady Barbara Seymour, the heart in the heat of the moment. and Miss Olga Lynn sang songs from their concert repertoires. The young Adrian Wright produced and and increasingly successful Ivor Novello and Gerald Gardiner sang and Mr. Lloyd Williams They show us more of what he directed a repeat of the 1922 Lord Lathom, Mr. Allan Walton acted - well before their respective rises to international fame in musical really felt and what people felt about concert containing as much of Miss Olga Lynn and Mr. Ivor Novello him. theatre and politics. Established thespians, Mrs. Patrick Campbell, Auriol the original content that could I have - perhaps rashly - taken on Lee and George Howe formed a theatrical caucus for the sketches that be found plus additional material 1922 the task of assembling a collection, ended and began the two halves. by Noël Coward and Ivor As advertised in the Ormskirk both to him and from him. Many are Ned Lathom and Ivor Novello sang the ragtime duet Dapper Dan from Novello. All proceeds from the Advertiser carefully stowed in Coward Andre Charlot’s revue A to Z, a show that had been financed by Ned at the show went to support The Lathom Park Trust. John Knowles (shown as OA if only in the archives in Switzerland and Prince of Wales theatre in the previous year. All of the artistes are shown in Our best guess as to Advertiser) and in the programme information Birmingham University but, in the now famous photograph of what is thought to be the 1922 show. who is shown in this Doubts exist about the identities of some of the entertainers. There is no photograph of the (shown as PR if only in the programme) reality, they only scratch the Monday January 2nd, Tuesday 3rd & surface. While I shall be following certainty, for example, that the person most often identified as Noël Coward 1922 show is as follows: Wednesday 4th at 7.30 pm up all the obvious leads, I would is in fact the famous writer and actor. Put together the fact that there is no record of him being present at any of the productions with a lack of resem- (L to R) Gerald very much like to hear from anyone Gardiner, Margaret Mrs. Patrick Campbell blance in the detail of the face, and it seems increasingly unlikely. who has (or knows of the existence Cooper, Jeffrey Amherst Miss Margaret Cooper, of) any letter from Noël that goes The face does however look remarkably like that of Jeffrey Amherst (Lord (Lord Holmesdale), Mrs. Ramsay (OA) beyond “Thank you for yours of the Holmesdale) whom we know was there each year. Lady Rosemary Bootle- Miss Auriol Lee, Miss Olga Lynn 10th ....” There is a certain irony in that fact alone, as Jeffrey Amhurst was a close Wilbraham, Mrs. Lady Barbara Seymour, Mr. Ivor Please help us to complete the friend of Noël Coward. He was the person Noël had earlier accompanied Patrick Campbell, Novello. Mr. George Howe (PR) Mr. Dion Titheradge (OA), puzzle ... on his first trip to New York aboard the Cunard liner Aquitaine in May Lord Lathom, Mr Gerald Gardiner Barry Day 1921, a trip that Coward partly financed by selling two songs to Ned unknown, Ivor Novello, Lathom. Coward willingly admits in his autobiography that Ned Lady Barbara Seymour, Mr. Lloyd Williams, Please send photocopies or scanned Lord Holmesdale (OA) “... didn’t want them in the least and only bought them out of charity.” Auriol Lee, Dion Titheradge (Centre) Olga Lynn (Front L to R) unknown, copies to : Matthias Cave, unknown. Those present who may fill some of the ‘unknown’ Mr. Allan Walton, and Lord Lathom By January 1922 Coward had returned from this near disastrous but ulti- The Noël Coward Society, 29, gaps are drawn from the following: Mrs. Ramsay (actor) Lloyd Williams Arthur Payne (PR) and mately inspirational first visit to America. On his return Jeffrey Amherst Waldemar Avenue, Hellesdon, (accompanist) Lady Joan Capel and Allan Walton Mr. Cave (PR) joined Napier Sturt (Lord Alington) and Ned Lathom, who had been school- Norwich, NR6 6TB Cast of the 2003 show: boy friends at Eton, and started to organise the informal social group called or email to letters@Noëlcoward.net Leigh Gardner, Caroline Kimmance, John Knowles, Adam Lamb, the Bright Young Things who heralded the new age between the wars! Emma Nanson, Rita Sharples, Adrian Wright, Piano - Nancy Wells. Noël Coward was a frequent visitor to Ned’s home, Blythe Hall in this Page 8 Page 9