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If you want an item to be included here or on our website then please send details to: The Noël Coward Society, 29, Waldemar Avenue, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 6TB or email: [email protected] 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 Hay Fever Blithe Spirit: 12 to 17 Jan Nottingham Arts Theatre, Nottingham, 3 to 5 Mar Crofton House School, Vancouver, BC 27 to 28 May St. Mark’s Church Hall, Reigate, Surrey Mar to Apr Denver Center, Denver, CO 31 Jan to 7 Feb @ 7.45 Sunday Teddington Theatre Club @ Page 1: Hands Across 26 to 30 Apr Mississauga, Ontario Hampton Hill Playhouse, Teddington also 1st Feb @6.00pm ‘HANDS ACROSS THE SEA’ The Sea 22 Apr to 1 May Windmill Theatre Players, High River, Alberta Matinee 7th Feb @2.30 Box Office: 020 8979 9499 (from In what was in essence an encore for a very successful year for the Society, we remembered The Page 2: NCS Auction 19th Jan) Tickets £6 & £8 Master in style - 30 years after he left us at Firefly - with an opportunity to celebrate the continuing Page 3: Barbara Design For Living 2004 (TBC) West Yorkshire Playhouse, The Quarry success of his work, remember his birth and release some of the most interesting volumes from the old Longford writes ... Page 4: Hampton Hill 5 to 13 Feb Amicus Productions Toronto, Ontario 30 Apr to 15 May Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke Office of the Coward Estate at our Annual Luncheon and Auction at The Savoy. On both 2004 West Yorkshire Playhouse, The Quarry Playhouse sides of the Atlantic flowers were laid on the statues of Noel Coward crafted by Angela Connors for Page 5: Past Perfect CD Fallen Angels the 1999 Centenary year for the Americas and the UK. This year saw strong growth in the numbers of Review 18 to 31 Jan Bramalea Live Theatre, Brampton, Ontario Blithe Spirit US members thanks to the dedication of Ken Starrett who between his usual round of off and on Page 6: Sail Away 1961 21 to 24 Apr Oswaldtwistle Players at Oswaldtwistle Civic visits managed attendance at numerous Coward events organised by Elizabeth Page 9: Marcy Kahan’s Theatre, Union Rd, Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, Sharland, Barry Day and many others. Ken, always impeccably dressed never misses an opportunity to ‘When Harry Met Sally’ , 22 to 25 Apr Columbia Arts Center - Vancouver, WA 7.30pm £4.50 - Wednesday and £6.00 (£5.00 concessions) - promote the Society. Like some literary 007 he is always ready to pull out a membership form, con- and Obituary for Gerald Vancouver On Stage 360-666-4768 Thursday, Friday, Saturday 01254 387851 07767 383435 cealed where his vest holster should be, and introduce himself to everyone he meets with those immor- Gutierrez 2 to 26 Jun Raymond Burr Performing Arts Theatre, New 29 to 31 Jan Betchworth O & DS Village Hall, Bewtchworth tal words, “Did you know there is a Noel Coward Society?” The US laying of flowers ceremony on Page 11: Masterly Pieces items about or relating to Westminister, BC Surrey 7th December at the Gershwin Theatre and the luncheon that followed proved to be a great success. In 22 to 24 Apr Rhiwbina ATS Memorial Hall Rhiwbina Cardiff the Master... London a week later Ken arrived for the celebrations (see Page 2) on the 13th. Gareth Pike reports that Page 12: WHAT’S ON? Hay Fever 8 Jun to 4 Aug Ian Dickens Productions - Blackpool he cracked a bottle of champagne on the 13th and laid flowers on the statue at Noel’s home at Firefly. 24 Feb to 6 Mar Powerhouse Theatre, Vernon, BC /Darlington /Swansea (TBC) 11 to 21 Mar REC Theatre Company, Buxton and numerous appearances in his plays tic response Private Lives Ian Dickens ProductionsBlackpool/Darlington/Swansea 8 Jun NOEL COWARD make her an important name in the greeted a 4 to 21 Feb Tribal Productions Inc. Thornhill, Ontario to 21 Aug (tbc) CELEBRATIONS Coward story. With warmth and great showing of May Enid, Oklahoma's Gaslight Theatre - our website gives charm, she paid a loving tribute to the Charles exact dates.http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/5890/main.htm Private Lives IN NEW YORK Master on his birthday. Castle's May 26th Forest Heights Collegiate Institute, Kitchener, ON 14 Apr to mid May Windsor Following the ceremony, everyone made 1974 docu- Jan to Feb Lyric Stage, Boston, Mass. 24 Jan to 7 Feb Eye Theatre, Suffolk by Ken Starrett their way to a nearby restaurant, Rosie mentary, Apr to May Irish Classical Theatre. Buffalo, NY 5 to 28 Feb Northcott Theatre, Exeter On Saturday the 6th of December a bliz- O'Grady's, where a luncheon was held in "This Is Noel 6 Mar to 3 Apr Derby Playhouse zard dumped 14 inches of snow on New the appropriately named Broadway Coward." Still Life July TBC Dublin GateIrish tour York City. This did This lovely Food for Thought Productions, National Arts Club, NYC 18 to 22 May Quince Players, The Cordes Hall, Sunninghill, not bode well for occasion (212) 362-2560 starring Lynn Redgrave - 12 March Ascot, Berkshire those wanting to topped off a 24 Jan to 7 Feb Eye Theatre, Suffolk attend the flower-lay- year of A Song at Twilight 6 Mar to 3 Apr Derby Playhouse ing ceremony at Noel important The Master at The Gershwin 24 March, 23 April, 13 May & 17 May Food for Thought 19 Apr to 15 May Queens Theatre, Hornchurch Coward's statue in new growth Productions, National Arts Club, NYC the Gershwin for the Society (212) 362-2560 Theatre's Hall of in the United States. It was a wonderul 2 Apr to 11 Jul Hever Lakeside Theatre, Kent Fame. The next day way for members to get to know each A Short Visit Only - The Songs of Noel Coward 11004 Wesley Players, High St. Methodist Church, Witney, the snow stopped, the other. As the year ends, we want to Members and Guests at the Gershwin Theatre’s Hall of Fame February 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th at 8:00 p.m. February 8th and Oxfordshire sun came out and the thank all 15th at 3:00 p.m. Geoff Stoner at the Singers Forum 49 West guests made their way through snow Room. members 24th, NYC 212-366-0541 Please call for Reservations The Marquise drifts to this first major event for US The warmth of the holiday season was for their Current to mid May Bill Kenwright Ltd UK Tour, opens Society members. When all were assem- apparent as guests were greeted by interest In Australasia Theatre Royal, Windsor bled, Ken Starrett, after welcoming festive trimmings and inviting warm fire- and sup- Blithe Spirit remarks, places in this cozy oak panelled room. port. As 21 Jan to 20 Mar Tropic Line Theatre Queensland, Australia Star Quality introduced Coward music was playing softly in the the new small tour - Melbourne Theatre Co Victoria and then Sydney 9 to 14 Feb The Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth, Warwickshire Broadway background. A delicous meal was year starts, Theatre Co star served by a very friendly staff. An amus- we look The Astonished Heart and Still Life Tammy ing grace note was an unplanned coinci- forward to In the 19 Apr to 15 May Everyman and Playhouse Theatres, Grimes dence ... the jovial bartender was named future Present Laughter Liverpool whose Noel. Society member, Steve Ross very events and 16 to 19 June The Hampton Hill Playhouse, Hamp[ton Hill, close kindly gave to all members and guests welcoming Mddx. If any of these listings are incorrect please contact us on: friendship alike, a tape recording he had done of a more new [email protected] oe ring +44 (0) 1603 486 188 with Noel Coward short story, "Stop Me If You've members to our Tammy Grimes Coward Heard It." After the meal an enthusias- growing Society. Ken Starrett & Tammy Grimes Page 12 In London guests Eleanor Bron and Results of the NCS Auction 13th December 2004, The Savoy Malcolm Sinclair paid homage to Noel Lot Nos. and Detail HP Masterly Pieces .... items about or relating to the Master... Coward at the flower-laying ceremony at 1 Look After Lulu. Heinemann 1959 First edition. (£20 - £30) 45 NCS Member Terence Trimmer has sent the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The 2 Suite in Three Keys. Heinemann 1966 First edition. (£18 - £35) 18 a variety of items over the years connec- Society held its Annual Luncheon at The 3 Nude with Violin. Doubleday 1958 First US edition. (£20 - £30) 45 cted by his, and our, love of all things Savoy followed by an auction of books 4 Nude with Violin Samuel French 1956 (£15 -£25) 25 Coward. This latest collection received from the London Office of the Coward 5 Waiting in the Wings. Heinemann First edition (£20 - £30) 24 last year is a potpourri of Masterly Estate. The Society now holds getting on 6 Not Yet the Dodo and other verses. Heinemann 1967. (£20 - £30) 20 items. for a thousand items from the office kind- 7 Not Yet the Dodo and other verses Doubleday 1968. (£15 - £25) 10 ly donated to the Society by Graham 8 The Lyrics of Noël Coward. Heinemann 1965 . (£15 - £25) 35 Tonight At 8.30 Payn. The day’s events were filmed for 9 The Noël Coward Song Book. Michael Joseph 1953 (£20 - £30) 115 This poster is reproduced from The Channel 4 News and broadcast later at 10 Bon Voyage and other stories Heinemann 1967 (£18 -£30) 15 Fairbanks Album published in the USA 6.30pm. (see still of Eleanor Bron from 11 Bon Voyage and other stories Doubleday 1968. (£15 -£25) 17 (1975) by Little Brown and Co. the broadcast below). The results of the 12 Pretty Polly and other stories.Doubleday 1965. ( £12 - £25) 16 Copyright by Douglas Fairbanks Jnr. & 13 Pretty Polly Barlow and other stories Heinemann 1964 (£18 - £30) 16 Richard Schickel. It is a large format 14 Pomp and Circumstance. Doubleday 1960 (£15 - £25) 16 book, full of photos of Douglas 15 Star Quality. Heinemann 1951. First edition (£18 - £30) 25 Fairbanks Jnr. and his family and also of 16 Seven Stories. Dolphin 1963 First US paperback (£15 - £25) 5 his work in the entertainment business. 17 The Noël Coward Diaries. Weidenfeld&Nicolson 1982.(£12 - £20) 30 The text mentions that Tonight At 8.30 18 The Noël Coward Diaries. Little Brown 1982 (£12 - £20) 14 was an all-star (Hollywood) production 19 The Life of Noël Coward, Cole Lesley. Cape 1976.( £10 - £18) 60 which raised $60,000 for British Relief. 20 The Art of Noël Coward, Robert Greacen.1953.(£15 - £18) 18 It appears to have been put on in 1940, 21 South Sea Bubble. Heinemann 1956 (£20 - £35) 15 the year before America came into the 22 Quadrille. Heinemann 1952 First edition Mint (£25 - £35) 20 war and no doubt Fairbanks had a hand Hélène Catsiapis - The Theatre Edouard 23 To Step Aside. Heinemann 1939 (£80 - £130) 50 in organising the production. He was VIII in Paris (near the opera) will pro- 24 Spangled Unicorn Hutchinson Undated (£60 - £80 ) w/d very sympathetic to the British cause duce Private Lives from Feb 6th 2004. Malcolm Sinclair and Eleanor Bron 25 Terribly Intimate Portraits Boni and Liversedge1922.(£150 - £250) 110 and a great friend of Coward - What a L'Avant Seine will publish the French speaking at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane 26 I’ll Leave It To You. Samuel French 1920.(£100 - £160) 110 cast! text. I have written two articles to 27 Easy Virtue Harper .and Brothers 1926. (£125 - £200) 250 Blithe Spirit Restaurant accompany it. The theatre has a matinee at 3.30 on 28 Relative Values. Heinemann 1952 (£18 - £30) 20 This is a smart looking spot in Balham 29 Home Chat. Martin Secker 1927. (£120 - £200) w/d Sundays. That day the Eurostar has a High Road, SW12. I happened to be cheap day trip. It would be fun to have a 30 This Happy Breed. Heinemann 1943 (£60 - £95) 20 passing by and picked up this card. 31 The Vortex. Harpers Modern Plays. 1924 First US (£100 - £160) 170 day outing for members of the society, with lunch at the Cafe de la Paix that 32 The Vortex. Ernest Benn 1924 First edition (£100 - £180) 250 Noel Coward 33 The Vortex. Ernest Benn 1924 First edition.Inscribed (£100 - £180) 160 Noel Coward liked so much. I could 34 The Vortex. Ernest Benn 1924 First edition (£100 - £180) 220 Greetings Card help anyone who is interested. I will be seeing the production on the first day 35 Point Valaine. Heinemann 1935 First edition (£20 - £30) 25 Terence sent a copy of this card that has (Feb 6th).With all best wishes, Hélène 36 The Rat Trap. Ernest Benn 1924 (£125 - £200) 125 been produced by The World’s Greatest email: [email protected] Tel: auction can be seen here with a brief 37 Operette. Heinemann. 1938 First edition (£65 - £100) 55 Minds Ltd. (1999) (Ed. what a beguiling 01 43 54 64 14 description of each lot and the final ham- 38 Post-Mortem. Heinemann. 1931 2nd impression.(£100 - £180) 90 and unpretentious name! I have also mer price. Our thanks to all who took 39 The Queen Was in the Parlour.Ernest Benn 1926 ( £120 - £200) 120 received this card - as has Yvonne part on such a pleasant event. 40 Post-Mortem. Heinemann 1931 First edition (£15 - £25) 30 Thomas another member and have seen Coward Portrait makes La pièce 41 The Marquise Ernest Benn 1927 First edition.(£125 - £200) 95 it on sale at The Forum, Norwich). Jamais sans toi ! Jamais plus... avec toi 42 Play Parade. Volume One Heinemann. Reprint 1961. (£25 - £40) 30 “Not The Turner Prize” Eliot (Pierre Arditi) et Amanda (Évelyne 43 Play Parade. Heinemann volumes 1-6 (£40 - £80) 90 competition Bouix) se sont aimés passionnément, si 44 Play Parade. Doubleday 1948 (£10 - £18) 10 The Daily Mail (weekend section) of 31 passionnément qu’ils ont divorcé cinq 45 Second Play Parade Heinemann 1939 First edition .(£25 - £60) 24 May 2003 published details and illustra- ans auparavant. Chacun a refait sa vie et 46 Play Parade. Doubleday 1933 First edition. (£10 - £20) 25 tions of paintings in the Not The Turner vient de se remarier. Or, pendant leur 47 Play Parade. Heinemann Vol I - 6 ( £40 - £80) 130 Prize competition. This Noel Coward lune de miel, lors de la première nuit, 48 Bitter Sweet. Chappell 1929 Vocal score. (£75 - £120) 60 portrait was one of the sahortlisted Eliot et Amanda découvrent qu’ils 49 A Withered Nosegay Christophers 1922 First edition (£35) 15 exhibits that was hung in the Mall séjournent dans le même hôtel. 50 Chappell 1947 Vocal score. (£35 - £80) 50 Galleries in June last year. Paniqués, ils veulent fuir mais leurs nou- 51 The Plays of Noël Coward - 1st series Doubleday 1928 (£12 - £20) 10 veaux partenaires ne comprennent pas. 52 Lady Windermere’s Fan. Pan 1952 ( £120 - £200) 100 Tout peut donc arriver pendant cette 53 Chelsea Buns by “Hernia Whittlebot”. (£200 - £300) Purchased 100 deuxième lune de miel... 54 Poems by Hernia Whittlebot .(£400 - £600) w/d Le grand auteur Noël Coward a imaginé 55 Poems by Hernia Whittlebot (£400 - £600) w/d une comédie joyeuse et cynique sur un TOTAL £3,148 couple d’amants incapables de vivre KEY: ensemble ou séparés. Un classique du HP = Hammer Price.,w/d = Lot was withdrawn at the sale. théâtre anglais brillamment adapté par Purchased = Item purchased later at the sale. Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt. Amounts in brackets = estimate of range of values.

Page 2 Page 11 London production, that was a case of The following extracts from an article THE NOEL COWARD SOCIETY IN 2004 by Barbara Longford really being rewarded." from NYTimes.com was spotted by The rewards, he was indicating, come [email protected]. of the marvellouspar- NEW YORK, NEW YORK, what a wonder ful town! ty Yahoo email group and includes an not only after the piece has opened, but Marcy Kahan array of memories of Gerald. I am honoured to have been asked to take over as Chairman of NCS and my first idea for the Society in 2004 is for a visit by UK long before. That he already was being When the Tony Award-winning theater Members to the flower-laying at Noel Coward’s statue in the Gershwin Theatre, New York. As most of you know, we have a rewarded was evident from the excite- and director Gerald Gutierrez died suddenly very active member in New York, Mr Ken Starrett, who is our Lead Representative for NCS in the US and Canada. Ken has ment in his tone as he went on talking late last month at the unripe age of 53, kindly agreed to act as our host on the trip and, with his extensive knowledge of the city and of the places which Coward visited, about his Sail Away people. the stories about him immediately began When to flow. An actor's director, who under- this promises to be a most exciting time. "The thing that's been so good about this stood exactly how to elicit emotionally At our first meeting of the year, the NCS Committee agreed that the flower-laying in New York this year will be on Sunday 5th so far is that I have people with me who Harry moving performances from his casts, he December 2004 It is planned for a Geoffrey Skinner, Financial Adviser to responsible for Publicity and PR and, as are so enthusiastic about the material. Joe had an obsession with detail that made Sunday as the matinees begin later on the Society, has kindly agreed to arrange mentioned above, Ken Starrett is Lead Layton, Oliver Smith, and Pete Matz, Met Sally each production tick like a perfectly cali- Sundays, allowing more time in the the American trip from the London end. Representative of NCS in the US and who is my musical director. They're all brated clock. His back-to-back Tonys for Marcy Kahan, NCS best director in 1995 and 1996 - for Gershwin Theatre. Ken Starrett will Mrs. Yvonne Thomas, who made a Canada. contributing something to it. Committee Member, revivals of "The Heiress" and "A arrange access for us to the famous spectacular visit to Firefly a while ago, This always makes for professional hap- writer and dramatist Delicate Balance," respectively - honored Theatre Hall of Fame. We are hoping has most kindly agreed to assist We also have a number of most distin- piness. I had the same kind of thing in what the actors, playwrights and other whose credits include the Goldberg that many of our fellow Members from Geoffrey with the arrangements. As guished people on the Committee, who my original production of Bitter Sweet, theater people who worked with him Variations that played off Broadway and the US will be attending the luncheon you may recall, Geoffrey organised our are able to give us invaluable advice, in England. I knew from the word Go, already knew very well. His style and her series of radio plays involving The flair may have seemed effortless, but his which follows the ceremony, so that we wonderful day at the Ivy in March of last based on their vast experience of theatre- from the very first rehearsal, everybody Master, has written the adaptation of the research for every production - both clas- shall have the opportunity of getting to year. More details about the trip will related issues and the work of Coward in was with it. Peggy Wood was wonder- screen comedy classic When Harry Met sic revivals and new plays - was know one another. A documentary film follow in later editions of Home Chat. particular. ful; all the people who played it - all Sally which is about to start at the ferocious. Mr. Gutierrez, who apparently about Coward, or some other highlight, made up a wonderful team. Doesn't Theatre Royal. Haymarket on Wednesday died of respiratory failure from the effects of the flu, was a cancer survivor will follow the luncheon. NCS Committee - 2004 Our Membership always work that way. Sometimes you 11th Fberuary Mr Starrett will escort us on a walking who came out of the experience "full of It may be worth repeating, and new At present we have approximately 200 can get two or three people in the cast 2004, Time: 20:00 life," as the actress Cherry Jones says. tour through the theatre district, pointing Members may not be aware, that NCS is Members in the UK and 76 in the USA. who upset the balance, and it goes but Price Range: £9.50 - £37.50 He was an impatient man with enormous out theatres where Coward performed, run by unpaid volunteers. Ken, We cannot spend our valuable funds on when it works the way Bitter Sweet did, patience, a serious student of the theater restaurants he frequented and places with a wicked sense of humor, a private Geoffrey, Yvonne mentioned above and advertising and so we feel that personal it's heaven." When Harry Met Sally is one of the best- where he lived. He will also do his best soul who took his Yorkshire terrier all of us give up our time to try to ensure recommendation is the best way to There is no way of telling, of course, loved romantic comedies of all time that to secure tickets for performances of Phyllis to the 1995 ("It was a successful Society of which Noel spread the word. By the time you read how Sail Away will fare. Yet, even if it is poses one of life's most interesting ques- deflective behavior," he said in a 1996 plays on or off Broadway, which you would be proud. We do it out of love for this, John Knowles will have produced a failure, Coward will take it in his light- tions - Will sex ruin a perfect friendship? interview with Alex Witchel in The New may want to see. Let’s hope that there The Master. our new Membership Leaflets. At our stepping, eternally jaunty stride. He has Directed in 1989 by Rob Reiner, the now York Times, "if you look at the dog, will be a Coward play on at the time, you're not looking at the scars from the A.G.M. held at the Theatre , other plans. He hopes to go out to the Far legendary film starred Meg Ryan and which could be included in the schedule. cancer surgery). Here are a few of the John Knowles is continuing to be the East, which he has not visited since Billy Crystal. Covent Garden on 13th December, 2003, stories that Mr. Gutierrez's colleagues For people who have never been to New Editor and Producer of Home Chat and 1936: "Just to have another look at it." Nora Ephron’s Oscar-nominated screen- It was agreed that each Member should and friends have been telling about York City, a tour of important highlights the Society’s website. John also has En route - he will in all probability go by play has been adapted for by him. be sent a small batch of Membership could be included, such as Lincoln overall responsibility for Membership, boat - he may have a go at his second Marcy Kahan. Jonathan Mandell Leaflets in the hope that we would Center, Washington Square in managing the finances and holds all of novel, plans for which already have Directed by Loveday Ingram, the stage Andre Bishop recruit our friends and colleagues. Artistic Director, Lincoln Center Theater Greenwich Village and perhaps the his- the books and other itemised resources begun to take shape in his mind. "There production will star Luke Perry, who Please help us to raise our profile. We were friends and colleagues for 25 years. toric Wall Street District and South owned by NCS. As you may know our are several other things I'd like to do," he makes his London stage debut as Harry, When I first met him, I was struck by how Street Seaport at the end of Patron, Graham Payn, generously donat- Mr Ned Sherrin has kindly agreed to said. "I should like to do a movie; I and Alyson Hannigan as Sally. intensely alive he seemed. Ruth Goetz, the Island. Some Coward sites could be ed these resources so that we could sell mention the Society on ‘Loose Ends’ on should like to do another play for a limit- Do get along to see it... co-author of "The Heiress," told her daughter interspersed along the way. that Gerry seemed "like a very brilliant child them to raise funds for our Society. BBC Radio 4 on Saturday 31st January, ed season in London and New York; I As many of you will be aware, at the with a late-afternoon fever," and that's how I when Steve Ross will be making a guest have a book of essays I'd like to write; I height of the Christmas season New OBITUARY saw him too. I also had never met A new Member of the Committee this appearance, prior to our “Cocktails and have the third volume of my autobiogra- anybody who drank dry gin martinis at lunch. York is quite spectacular and unique, year is Celia Collogne. Celia has most Laughter….. evening. Some of you will phy that I've got to get on with some- One of his great gods was Noël Coward. with highlights such as the world- GERALD GUTIERREZ kindly agreed to become our be seeing this newsletter for the first time. . ." The first volume was called Every Dec. 16, which is Noël Coward's birth- famous giant tree at Rockefeller Center day, Gerry and I would meet at some fancy Membership Secretary, a key role time during the Steve Ross evening. For Present Indicative; the second Future We note the passing of Coward Society or the Metropolitan Museum with its bar and drink martinis and pretend to be indeed, because if the cheques do not those of you who are new to the Society, Indefinite; the third will be called Past member, Gerald Gutierrez, 53 on 31 Neapolitan Baroque Christmas tree. December, 2003. He smoking cigarettes and call everybody dar- roll in on time, then we shall have no do join us in 2004 and help us try to Perfect.” That it has been all but perfect, ling, in honor of Noël Coward. Should anyone have special requests, started his career in freedom to progress. Celia will manage make the Noël Coward Society synony- by his lights, was indicated in a remark Of all the directors I've worked with, he was about shopping or some particular place 1975 as an actor the membership administration, includ- mous with The Master’s own qualities. he made as I was leaving. The Coward of before becoming a the most open to listening to what I had to they might like to see, Ken Starrett say about the production. Usually, you spend ing the Membership Database and will today is not substantially different from prominent director. would do his best to help. half your life chasing directors down hall- have front line contact with Members on Barbara Longford is always interested in the Coward who danced in the aisles of He was awarded the The UK Members would fly to New Tony twice for his ways who are trying to escape. But Gerry Membership and related issues. hearing your views and news. She can churches when carried there by his moth- would chase me, when he was ready: "Now I York a few days before the ceremony er when he was three. "After fifty years Broadway productions Celia can be contacted at: be contacted at: 7 Argyll Mansions, of The Heiress (1995) want to hear what you have to say." and return perhaps on the Monday after of it, I'm still stage-struck," he said. 3, Somerville Road, Poulner, Ringwood, London, W14 8QG, UK or emailed at: and A Delicate Balance (1996). He had it. Plans are at a very early stage, but BH24 1XJ, UK Impeccably so. a great passion for the works of Coward Many others from the entertainment industry [email protected] gave tributes in this article. For more from please note Sunday 5th December in Noel Coward as Henry Gow and had plans for a full-scale production Tel: +44 (0)1425 478 760 General queries and items for Home of Cavalcade. He was to have directed Kelvin Kline and Elaine Stritch see: your diaries. The flower-laying ceremo- email: [email protected] Chat should be sent to The Noel Coward Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at the Kennedy ny at Drury Lane will be held on is our financial advis- http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/18/arts/the- Geoffrey Skinner Society, 29, Waldemar Avenue, Center in Washington. He will be sorely Saturday 11th December and perhaps er, Stephen Greenman is continuing as Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 6TB, UK or missed by the theatre community. ater/18MAND.html?ex=1075458962&ei=1&e n=580b3b73bb16c6c3t some of the Members from America Administration Secretary, Marcy Kahan Ken Starret emailed at [email protected] might come over and join us for that too. and Lawton Clark continue to be Page 10 Page 3

Unveiling of Coward Memorabilia at always has been and, I devoutly hope, Really a lovely voice - warm, lyrical and dance, or both. Therefore, you have to always will be primarily a place of rich. Exactly right. go after those who have the quality you Hampton Hill Playhouse - Teddington entertainment." "Then, the young man opposite her, want. It was with this in mind, he told me, that James Hurst, was stand-by for Harve There are even so many talented chil- On Sunday 21st December, there was an and “Marvellous Party” followed, read, he wrote Sail Away. It is an American- Presnell in Molly Brown. Also a lovely dren. We have six in this. During the appropriate finale to Ali Howarth’s time not sung, but with much distinction and style musical comedy, whatever that is, voice. There was a little girl, Patricia auditions, they seemed not to have on the Executive Committee of NCS, as flair. "planned entirely for entertainment." It Harty, understudy for Pat Stanley in a nerve in their bodies. They just came the representative of Alan Brodie We then heard Noel’s description of his has no "significant social message," Fiorello!, and when Pat Stanley left she on and, uh, belted it out. They're about Representation; she was invited to play “The Rat Trap”, his first solo effort Coward told me. It concerns a ship that played the part. I went to see the show seven years old. But you know, I unveil the recently installed Noel written and produced when he was only leaves New York for a cruise of the before I began thinking of the musical, remember when I was a little boy actor, Coward memorabilia at the Hampton 18 years old. Apparently it was only Mediterranean and return. There are and thought she was simply charming. I never had a nerve. It was only later, Hill Playhouse near Teddington. This ever performed once, in his absence. three stories in the book-two love sto- And when I began doing the musical I when I became more mature, that I state-of-the-art theatre, now the home of Noel said he would have very much ries, and the problems of the hostess, went to see her again, and thought she began to be nervous." the Teddington Theatre Club (TTC), liked to have seen it performed again. who is in constant trouble with all the had great style - and so I engaged her "Are you more nervous now?" I ven- founded in 1927, contains The Coward The players then gave us an extract of tourists. Then my choreographer, Joe Layton who tured to ask. Suite, comprising an L-shaped clubroom this long-forgotten play. It was quite "It was difficult to do because it's rather had done the dances for the television "Everybody's more nervous now," he with floor to ceiling windows looking fascinating. Fast, sharp dialogue, of like a jigsaw puzzle," Coward said. "It show The Gershwin Years, in which said. "The older you get, the more nerv- out onto the High Street, and a Coward course, but also with a central dramatic was a very tricky job to keep the three there were two sensational ballets told ous you get. You know the hazards. But Studio Theatre, seating up to 60 people. tension provided by the fact that the stories balanced." He sighed. "The dan- me about a young man named Grover it also gets better as you get older, for Recently installed in the clubroom is one female lead had high career ambitions to ger of writing musicals, often, is that the Dale who danced marvelously. This boy over the years you've developed the of Noel’s dinner suits, his own game of become an established writer, whilst her book gets in the way. I've tried to keep was appearing in Paris in West Side experience - you know how to do it, backgammon and an attache case, all writer husband thought she might be bet- the dialogue down to a minimum. That's Story; Joe Layton was very keen that I which you didn't at first. In the begin- donated to the theatre by The Noel ter engaged sorting out the household the trick for a writer, which I am prima- should have him, and so went to Paris ning, your talent dictated to you. Later, Coward Foundation. The items are in a affairs. Perennially modern. rily. I have no time in this to develop and saw him and engaged him. you dictate to your talent." glass case, next to a large portrait of Interestingly, the TCC is considering çharacters. I've got to get the dialogue So, I've got four comparatively newcom- Now he obviously was on one of his No¡l, by a local artist, George Melly. putting on the whole of ‘The Rat Trap’ right,down to the bone. This is a very ers - four new discoveries, I hope. In favorite themes. "Talent is the important Ali and Barbara Longford had a superb Barbara Longford and Ali Howarth with the some time next year. interesting challenge, and I hope I've got addition to which there are Stritch and thing. I've seen so many people who ‘Master’ at Hampton Hill Playhouse afternoon. They were An enchanting afternoon was completed away with it. We shall see." Alice Pearce, and Margalo Gillmore I could sing, dance - very nice voices, greeted by Eric by Eric Yardley’s recital of “I’ll see you He spoke of the casting. "Elaine Stritch think I'm pretty well covered from the move very charmingly, but they have no Yardley and other again……..” not a dry eye in the house! is in it," he said with satisfaction. point of view of the performers." talent. And this is something special. members of the Quite a fitting farewell for Ali Howarth, "A marvelous talent. I'd known Stritch's That Coward has not written a part Then you get someone who dances infi- Theatre Club, plied who has now left Alan Brodie to travel work well. I'd seen her in Bus Stop, in for himself into Sail Away does not nitely less well, and whose voice is with mulled wine and the world and settle in Australia with her Goldilocks; I'd known her a long time, mean that he is no longer interested in lightweight, whose voice is infinitely mince pies, prior to friend Rich. admired her enormously. I think - I do performing. "I'm very interested in less rich and resonant - but there's a tal- the special perform- From all of us at the NCS, Ali, thank hope - that in this show she will get appearing, but for the past so many ent for projection, which is a God-given ance of “Thirty you for your great contribution and we what she deserves. Her part's very good, years, I have only done limited seasons." gift. It's some way of communicating. Minute Coward”, by do hope the last number of today’s show I think; she's got some very good num In Nude with Violin, he played here only You go to the theatre, to cabarets, and members of the TTC. will apply. Barbara Lonford bers. I called her up in California and for three months, A longer run would you see any number of adequate per- The cast – Liselle asked if she would be interested, and it keep him from concentrating on his writ- formers, but it's only very rarely that Schmulian, Doris STOP PRESS ON all depended upon whether her television ing. "I would begin to feel trapped," he you see someone who [he rapped his Wiksborrow, David R. series was going on again. Well, they said. "Not from boredom. Never that but knuckles three times on the table before Blackburn, Terence NEW YORK VISIT canceled it off. She said she'd let me I have certain things I want to express, him] knocks you for a loop. M. Cardinal, Edward Jeoffroy, Barry place in Teddington, Middlesex”. Then Latest on the NCS trip know. About ten days later she called me and there would be no time for them. was not a great Rocard, Jack Smerdon and Eric Yardley several of the actors read extracts from up and said she thought the coast was Playing a star part is a fulltime job." He dancer. All she had to do was walk opened the occasion by singing “Happy the ‘Boy Actor’ poems. “London Pride” to NYC. Outline costs are as follows: Hotel clear. I told her the book wasn't written is not especially interested in returning across the stage. There was drama. You Birthday, Dear Noel”. (see above left) It followed; the whole audience joined in yet, and she would have to trust me. She to Las Vegas, where he scored a personal forgave the fact that she couldn't do was certainly near and flight will be about £500 plus a cabaret said, 'Have you ever written a play triumph in 1956 at the Desert Inn. "They fifty-nine turns to one second, and set- enough to his birthday before?' I said, 'Well, one or two . . .' want me to go back, but I was so pleas- tled for her rather than somebody on the 16th and the evening with meal (drinks to be paid for by She said, 'Well, are you insane?' And I antly surprised that I made such a suc- who could. whole audience, 40 of said, 'Not particularly.' She took it on cess there, and I really did enjoy that Nothing in the world excites me so us in the foyer of the the consumer) at around £40. The rest of the trip trust, and I hope her trust will be justi- month there, that I have a curious feel- much as talent. Many years ago - 1927, theatre, joined in the fied." ing that I don't want to try to top it. It I think - I wrote a play for one of our singing. It was really is currently being planned by Ken Starrett and Geoffrey Coward paused, lighted another ciga- might be an anticlimax, after the warmth greatest actresses, Marie Tempest. I rather moving. rette, and went on with his catalogue. I got there before, and the excitement of wrote it over here in America, sent it Appropriately, the the- Skinner. If you are interested please let us know. The approximate dates for the "Jean Fenn I'd had no personal knowl- being there for the first time. Anyway, back to England, and she liked it and atre is very near edge of, except that I'd heard that she literally, I haven't had very much time." went into rehearsal with it. I got back to Teddington and the trip are 1st to 6th December. A deposit will be required, when viability is was very beautiful to look at and had a For the moment, Coward returned to England the night after it had opened. I first reading was of beautiful voice. I called her, also on the casting Sail Away. "You know, there is hadn't been at one rehearsal. And I sat in Noel’s poem “I cannot known, of £120 per person. Please con- tact us for details or to express your Coast, and asked her to fly to New York an enormous amount of talent in this the box and watched her, and everything remember, I cannot and sing to me. She came. I was country," he said. "We sat through audi- I had written was exactly as I had visu- remember…………..being allowed to and everyone seemed to know the song interest. Write to Mr. Geoffrey Skinner, Samuel French Ltd., 52 Fitzroy Street, enchanted with her appearance and, tions month after month, and it seemed alized it. The Marquise. Later Billie stir the Christmas pudding on long ago, very well. Then “Jeunesse Doree”, the above all, with her voice and her quality. to me that nearly everybody can sing, or Burke played it over here. But in the enchanted Christmas Eves. All this took actors taking it in turns to recite a verse London, W1P 6JR. Page 4 Page 9

appeared. Then we came back to New very ordinary people. In York and held several more auditions. fact, I've always been Review of Past Per fect CD PPCD 78150 And got everything under way for the interested in people of all by Dominic Vlasto production. And that's the way it stands sorts. Therefore, my Back in the June 2003 issue of Home Chat, member Stephen Marshall now. It's finished. Obviously, there may acquaintanceship is not flagged up the emergence of this CD. Hands up all those who noticed have to be some changes when we get limited to the eminent and or did something about it? Well, you can still get hold of this CD, and out of town, but perhaps there won't be the sophisticated and the it turns out to contain much more of interest to discerning Coward fans so many. The major part of the work is grand. For instance, here I beyond the Greta Keller recording of ‘Never Again’ which Stephen par- now done, except for the actual rehears- am in New York, concen- ticularly highlighted. It is one of the best and most intelligent collec- ing and the putting on the stage." trating almost entirely on tions of Coward songs yet produced and well worth having. When Coward said "it wasn't any good" conferences about the It is quite an eclectic collection, with interpretations of Coward’s songs about the first act he had written, his show, and I see very few in styles from early-thirties dance bands through solo artists including voice was so positive, I asked him how a people except quite ordi- Garland, Sinatra, Hildegarde and Hutch to Danny Kaye! The last of talent such as his decided that. He light- nary ones, those who sur- these is probably best ignored unless you are an ardent fan of DK, but ed a cigarette, but did not, hesitate fur- round me, those con- it is worth tolerating on account of not only the range of vocal and ther. "I'm very self-critical, and also I'm cerned with the show. instrumental styles of the rest but also the fact that there are some very surrounded by friends who are very criti- After all, I've appeared rare recordings which have not to date been reissued since their original cal," he said. "For instance, if anybody before the public since release. These first-time re-releases include ‘Something To Do With who's near me sees a scene and says it 1910, and I've generally Spring’ recorded by Carroll Gibbons and the Savoy Hotel Orpheans in doesn't sound convincing, even if I think found that if I write some- to know, are Dinah Shore’s ‘Mad About Dinah. It is certainly the “straighter” it does I have another look at it to see thing that amuses me, that 1932, where plangent oboe and trom- The Boy’ (1947), Hildegarde’s ‘I’ll See rendition of the two, and some would what's worrying them, and then very I think is funny, or touch- bone solos lead into a delightful and You Again’, ‘Dance, Little Lady’ and ‘A consider it rather superior. In fact, if I often - practically always - find they're ing, or moving, or whatev- characteristic Gibbons syncopated piano Room With a View (1939), Greta had to choose one recording of this song, right. When one's doing something at the er it is I think I've done, solo; from only seven years later but Keller’s ‘Never Again’ (1939), and I’d probably go for this one: the voice is moment, of course, one doesn't know. generally the public agree. showing an astonishing development in Hutch’s ‘I Travel Alone’ (1934). good, and accurate, and she “bends” the It’s only a little bit later, when you turn The critics don't always dance-band styles there is the tightly- Possibly some may find Hildegarde’s word rhythms to give weight to impor- on the critical appliance afterward, and agree. orchestrated ‘Zigeuner’ of the Artie delivery a bit sugary by today’s stan- tant words in a way that seems absolute- look back, and - but of course, I'm very Obviously, like all actors, Shaw orchestra - a very good display of dards, and Ray Sinatra’s orchestrations ly natural. experienced, and I've found that if I can performers and writers, the inherent moodiness of the song reinforce this impression, but she always An added bonus is that, for once, here’s get it to satisfy me at this point, then the I've had some nasty sur- which comes over despite a rock-steady approaches everything with utter clarity a Coward CD with really good listing next step is to try it with an audience. I prises, things that flopped, rhythm; and a third delightful new dis- and impeccable tuning. Both Hutch and details and intelligent sleeve notes clear- can tell at the first performance whether but I think the public will covery is another 1939 recording, of Greta Keller chose to record remarkable ly written by someone who knows their a scene drags or whether it's too sharp, accept what you give Stephane Grapelli and Django Reinhardt pieces, the first an impeccable marriage Coward well. The CD is available or too quick, or if a joke that I thought them, provided you give spiffing it up with the Quintet of the Hot of melody and lyric in one of Coward’s through normal suppliers such as HMV, was funny doesn't go over. And I give it them something within Club of France in ‘The Younger most self-revealing, autobiographical but will probably have to be specially two or three performances, and if it their understanding. I hate Generation’. Another instrumental songs, the second a very theatrical piece ordered. You could try the producers doesn't work, I scrap it. obscurity. I try to be clear. delight is the rhythm pianist Raie Da of light-music composition, whose verse direct by telephoning 01869 325052 or I've generally found that things I special- Not always easy...” Costa’s 1928 rendition of ‘Teach Me To section is one of the most haunting, e-mailing [email protected]. I do ly like myself do come off all right, but He paused, smoking in Dance Like Grandma’. moody and taut pieces of word-setting not know how long it will remain avail- things I'm dubious about, I think, Well, deep inhalations, reflect- Of the solo artists, Judy Garland’s ‘Poor Coward ever produced. Dinah Shore’s able. Dominic Vlasto we'll give it a trial.' Sometimes one is ing, the blue-pupiled eyes Little Rich Girl’ (1942) and Frank ‘Mad About The Boy’ is a remarkable surprised. Sometimes the audience likes squinting through the Sinatra’s ‘I’ll Follow My Secret Heart’ foretaste of a much later and better- Contents: something that you really don't think smoke. "I lead a far sim- (1944) are already quite well-known; known rendition of this song by another Something To Do With Spring (1932) they're going to like at all. And even pler life than most people much less known, and all worth getting Carroll Gibbons Band Teach Me To Dance Like Grandma (1928) Raie Da Costa then you've got to be careful, because it suppose. I generally go to Coward was author and composer of ‘Conversation Piece’ Mrs Worthington (1935) Noel Coward + Orchestra (Rhythm Pianist) might be the audience of that one partic- bed early, and I do my (1934), and starred in the London production with Yvonne Mad About The Boy (1947) Dinah Shore + Orchestra Where Are The Songs We Sung? (1938) Denny Dennis + Roy ular time. It's all very fascinating." best work early in the Printemps. (Pierre Fresnay played the part in New York) Twentieth Century Blues (1931) Al Bowlly + Ray Noble Fox Orchestra What is perhaps more fascinating to the morning. In Jamaica I get atre, with their protesting penchant for Orchestra Never Again (1939) Greta Keller + Orchestra outsider is how the glittering, ultraso- up at about six - first light and work writing of sordid matters, seemed defi- Zigeuner (1939) Artie Shaw Orchestra Imagine The Duchess’s Feelings (1941) Noel Coward acc. phisticated world in which Coward steadily until lunch. In a warm climate I nitely old-fashioned to him. They I’ll See You Again (1939) Hildegarde + Orchestra Carroll Gibbons always has lived can be transmitted in a can do that. In Switzerland, where it's reminded him of the experimental the- London Pride (1941) Noel Coward + Orchestra Dance, Little Lady (1939) Hildegarde + Orchestra manner that can evoke a response from dark early in the morning, I get up later. atre in Berlin of forty years before, he The Younger Generation (1939) Stephane Grappelli Quintet I Travel Alone (1934) Hutch (own accomp.) the vast multitudes who do not know Here in New York I awaken about seven said. "It is natural enough that I should You Were There (1935) Sam Browne + Orchestra ‘Words And Music’ Selection (1932) Ray Noble Orchestra Elsa, the Duke and other tenants of inter- and can usually get two or three hours' not be deeply impressed with the ‘new’ Poor Little Rich Girl (1942) Judy Garland + Orchestra Most Of Ev’ry Day (1934) Noel Coward acc. Carroll Gibbons national café society. Coward told me work done before the business of the day values for which our present-day young I’ll Follow My Secret Heart (1944) Frank Sinatra + Orchestra Someday I’ll Find You (1950) Gertrude Lawrence + that he does not consider himself a man begins." authors severally stand. To me these A Room With A View (1939) Hildegarde + Orchestra Orchestra who lives exclusively in a rarefied Some months before our meeting, ‘new’ values are as familiar as a maid Josephine (1950) Noel Coward + Orchestra Mad Dogs And Englishmen (1947) Danny Kaye + Orchestra atmosphere: "The phrase ‘rarefied life’ is Coward had loosed a blast against the and butler opening a first act with a brisk not quite accurate. I don't lead a rarefied new wave of playwrights and directors exposition of the characters about to FUTURE REGIONAL EVENT - Dominic Vlasto is planning a regional NCS event in Norwich of his wonderful produc- life - I lead a very simple life. True, I and actors in a series of articles carried appear.” tion The Master’s Voice first heard marking the Coward Centenary. This wonderful celebration of Coward in words and music know a lot of very prominent people, a in the British press. Among other things, “In spite of much intellectual wishful is planned for later this year or early next and includes the singing of Dominic, Geoffrey and Rachel Hodson (her version of I lot of very grand people, and a lot of he had said the new people of the the- thinking," he wrote, "the theatre is now, Went To A Marvellous Party is near-definitive - a bibulous slide with grace and clarity - eat your heart out Bea!) and others.

Page 8 Page 5 This is an article about the appeared in New York in Nude with Violin (the other was Surprise Package). His hair is thin on top, but no thinner American production of Sail Away than it was twenty years ago. And there is still that air of from Theatre Arts magazine, overpowering sophistication, of neverending irony and wit, dated September 1961 it is kindly of champagne-bubbling joie (actually, Coward drinks spar- ingly) that always has characterized him and made him the provided by Barry Day darling of the international set from the time in 1920 when Elsa Maxwell discovered him and said to him impulsively, Noël Coward danced into New "Come along with me to Paris." Neither had any money to York early this summer carry- speak of, but Elsa knew people who did. She introduced ing the manuscript of Sail Coward to them, and the Coward legend began. If F. Scott Away, a new musical comedy Fitzgerald was the symbol of life in the United States during with music, lyrics, book and the twenties, or at least the high life, Coward was the same direction by Noël Coward, in England. More than that, he soon came to be known as which after tryouts (three the symbol of the international set, no catalogue of which weeks each in Boston and was complete without a mention of Noël, usually called Philadelphia) will open in New "Dear Noël." York on October 3, presented He personified urbanity, good manners and, above all, rest- by Bonard Productions, and less creativeness. The last-named is concealed. behind a starring Elaine Stritch and Jean manner that is as imperturbable as Jeeves', if a trifle less Fenn. Coward's last New York appearance was in 1957, upper-class than the butler's. The first word that describes when he played in his own Nude with Violin. Since then, him is "faultless." The second: "impeccable." Was it not the the sixty-one year old legend has been carrying on busi- beloved American journalist Richard Gehman who in 1958 ness as usual. He adapted Georges Feydeau's Occupe-toi wrote that Noël Coward was one of the few living organisms d'Amélie, renamed it Look After Lulu, and saw it staged in who could be impeccable even when wearing bathing London with Vivien Leigh and Anthony Quayle, and in shorts? Indeed it was, and today I again report that Noël Coward’s first American triumph - as playwright and actor - was ‘The New York with Tammy Grimes and Roddy McDowall. It Coward also is one of the few living humans who can be Vortex’At left: Lilian Braithwaite was not well received here, which did not bother him in impeccable even while wearing an old red-white-gray the least. Waiting in the Wings, another play, this one with striped bathrobe and lounging slippers (red), monogrammed Dame Sybil Thorndike, was produced in London in the "NC." He was in this informal ensemble when I visited him In 1936 he was back in New York in his 1960-61 season. He also wrote his first original score for during the summer in his New York sublet. ‘Tonight At 8.30.’ a series of short plays a ballet, London Morning, produced by Anton Dolin's The living room was dominated by a concert grand piano, including ‘Fumed Oak’ Festival Ballet in London; he wrote his first novel, Pomp seemingly swelling, like that huge green apple bursting in a and Circumstance, which became a best seller. room in René Magritte's surrealist painting. There were This has been the pattern of the lively, indefatigable, irre- books and manuscripts everywhere, and a tight schedule for pressible Coward since the time, at three, he was carried Sail Away staring down sternly from the mantel. In came the to church by his mother and flabbergasted her and the legend. Down sat the spare, slender frame. Up hunched the The same ‘Tonight At 8.30’ included ‘Family Album’ which paired congregation by leaping out of her arms to dance with tanned knees, the dressing gown dropping away. Out came Coward in memorable fashion with still another leading English star, gay abandon in the aisles. That was around 1901; he was the filter cigarettes. Soon smoke swirled around the vaguely the late Gertrude Lawrence born in suburban London on December 16, 1899. He Oriental face. On went the resonant, specific, gently emphat- made his debut in 1907 at a public hall in Sutton, 'singing ic voice. a song called "Cool" In 1911, after answering an adver- Coward always has allowed his ideas to remain in the back tisement and auditioning, he appeared in a pantomime of his mind for a long time before he plunges into their exe- called The Goldfish. Additional juvenile roles preceded cution, which is why he can write with such inordinate his service in the Army. Gilbert Miller became interested speed. Thus it was with Sail Away, he said. in him in 1918, and produced Coward's I'll Leave It to "Two years ago I had the idea of doing a musical, and I You in 1920. That launched him, but it was not until 1925 wrote the whole first act of one, and it wasn't any good. I that he took American audiences into his slender, bony scrapped that. But bits of it still remained in my mind, and hands and shook them until they thundered their applause last November I had a new idea. At Christmastime I went for The Vortex. That same year he had five plays running down to Jamaica and suddenly found I was in a musical simultaneously in London. No other playwright ever has phase. Tunes kept on appearing every time I went to the equaled that record. No one could, for nobody writes as piano. I began to write a score, not complete, but rather fast as Coward; even William Saroyan, when he was turn- rough. I wrote several numbers, and then I began to think of ing out plays at the rate of two per month, could not the connecting stories to go with them. When I had done match his speed. He wrote Hay Fever in three days. about twelve numbers, I came to New York in February and Blithe Spirit took longer: six days. Age must be slowing gave some auditions. At that moment I'd had the ideas of the him down. He spent two full weeks on the book for the characters I wanted to write. When I'd heard some people new Sail Away. sing, and seen some people dance, and decided which to If indeed he is no longer as swift as he once was, that fact engage and which not to engage, I then went back to is not at once apparent to the visitor. His lithe step is as Jamaica, this time with Oliver Smith, who came to stay with purposefully, springy as ever, as he showed audiences in me, and he planned all the sets and I did the book, more or Our Man in Havana, one of two films he made since he less simultaneously. Meanwhile some more numbers

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