A new adaptation of Noël Coward's 1942 comedy, 'Present Laughter', has commenced a national tour in Bath. This production features a significant transformation, with the central character, actor Garry Essendine, re-imagined as actress-singer Gerri, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman.
The Coward estate has authorised this radical new version, directed by Lindsay Posner. The setting has been shifted from mid-20th century London to New York in the 1970s, with Peter McKintosh's design reflecting a Manhattan loft.
In addition to the lead, six other characters have been re-gendered, including Essendine's secretary, who changes from Monica to Monty, and the ex-spouse, now Len instead of Liz. The adaptation also includes multiple line revisions to reflect the sexism of language, such as Gerri being denigrated as a "cow" where Garry was admired as a "cad."