NT Live: Present Laughter
by Noël Coward
Filmed live in front of an audience
Matthew Warchus directs Andrew Scott (BBC’s Sherlock, Fleabag) in Noël Coward’s provocative comedy Present Laughter.
As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.
Captured live from The Old Vic in London, Present Laughter is a giddy and surprisingly modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY
A treat of a production: a timely depiction of the hollow nature of fame led by a virtuoso yet beautifully nuanced performance
Andrew Scott shines in glorious, revelatory production… Terrific fun
Andrew Scott’s revelatory performance shows why Noël Coward is hailed a genius