Present Laughter

My first visit to the Empty Space Theatre in Media City, Salford, was a delightful experience. The venue provided a charming and intimate atmosphere for the performance. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by an open stage with the set fully visible to the audience—a detail I particularly appreciated. This creative choice allowed time to study the intricate details of the stage design before the performance began, enriching the overall experience.

The riotous comedy, performed by Midlife-Crisis Theatre Company, skilfully explored themes of celebrity and identity with an infectious blend of laughter and chaos. The narrative centres around the successful yet self-absorbed actor Garry Essendine, who is preparing for a tour in Africa. As Garry embarks on this adventure, he finds himself entangled with various women determined to win his affections. We witness a man adored, managed, idolized, and relied upon by a close-knit group of individuals—each playing a crucial role in his chaotic life.

The production brilliantly underscored the play’s core theme of neediness. Midlife-Crisis Theatre Company brought this to life with clever and innovative staging, starting from the very opening. A striking time-period video projection layered with the actors' faces immediately set the comedic tone, immersing the audience from the outset.

The performance begins with the entrance of Daphne Stillington, played by the talented Sarah Adams. Daphne, a youthful admirer of Garry, has charmingly managed to find her way into his flat after spending the night. Sarah Adams delivered the role with passion and conviction, combining articulate pronunciation with dynamic stage presence, and effortlessly drawing the audience into the storyline.

Another standout was Lindsey Landes as Monica Reed, Garry’s sharp yet compassionate secretary. Monica, fully aware of Garry's various romantic escapades with women who “forget their latch key” and find their way into his flat, was brought to life with wit and poise. Lindsey Landes balanced Monica’s professionalism and friendship with Garry impeccably, delivering lines with perfect comedic timing that sparked delightful exchanges between the two.

Suzy Gellman’s portrayal of Miss Erikson, the vague and cigarette-wielding housekeeper, was a joy to watch. Her dry humour, precise mannerisms, and spot-on accent created memorable moments throughout the production. Suzy Gellman’s stage presence ensured that her character left a lasting impression, even amidst the surrounding chaos.

Finally, Robert Levy delivered a masterful performance as Garry Essendine. His dynamic portrayal captured the actor's flamboyance and vulnerability, with moments of both hilarity and poignancy. Robert Levy’s impeccable timing and interactions with other characters, paired with Katherine Thomas’s clever direction, made Garry’s chaotic world feel both authentic and endlessly entertaining.

The production’s set design and lighting seamlessly supported the play's intentions, allowing the story to flow smoothly with minimal interruptions. The costumes, tailored to suit each character, further enhanced the atmosphere and authenticity of the performance. Congratulations to Midlife-Crisis Theatre Company for delivering such a well-rehearsed, engaging rendition of Present Laughter. The excellent dialogue delivery and well-paced performance kept the audience captivated throughout.

Thank you for the warm hospitality and a thoroughly enjoyable evening—I eagerly anticipate your future productions!

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