Present Laughter

Upon arriving at MADS Theatre, I was warmly welcomed by the front-of-house team, who kindly directed me to my seat. The auditorium greeted me with a striking pre-set brimming with intricate details that perfectly captured the artistic vision of Present Laughter.

For those unfamiliar with Present Laughter, the play is set in the 1940s and provides a witty yet poignant exploration of an actor's chaotic life, constantly surrounded by people who claim to care for him, albeit often driven by their own self-interest. This charming farce delves into the dynamics between performers and their admirers, featuring a whirlwind of love, sex, panic, and soul-searching in the days leading up to the star actor Garry Essendine's overseas tour. Naturally, this chaos results in a delightful series of comical and absurd events.

The play begins with Daphne Stillington, portrayed by Claire Taylor, at Garry's home. Daphne, a youthful admirer, has boldly insinuated herself into the flat to spend the evening. Claire Taylor delivered her dialogue with impeccable tone and diction, combining fluency and control to bring authenticity to a role that can sometimes lean toward exaggeration. Her interactions with the household staff blended seamlessly, creating a sense of familiarity and natural connection that enhanced her portrayal.

Miss Erikson, the housekeeper, was performed brilliantly by Suzanne Copeland, whose dry humour, precise mannerisms, and flawless accent punctuated the production with memorable moments. Her interactions with other characters were imbued with conviction and impeccable timing. Another standout was Rachel Donlon as Monica Reed, Garry's sharp yet empathetic secretary. Fully attuned to Garry’s romantic escapades—often involving women who mysteriously “forget their latch key”—Rachel brought Monica to life with grace and wit. Her comedic timing sparkled, and her interactions with both Garry and other house guests were nothing short of exceptional.

Lucia Wilde delivered a compelling performance as Liz Essendine, Garry’s ex-wife. Her portrayal captured Liz’s multifaceted nature, especially in scenes opposite Garry, where the emotional intensity and pacing convincingly conveyed the reality of a former couple with unresolved feelings. And of course, no leading actor is complete without a devoted fan: enter Roland Maule, played by Mark Adams. Roland's obsessive admiration for Garry grew increasingly hilarious as the play unfolded. Though some of Roland’s dialogue delivery lacked clarity at times, Mark Adams skilfully conveyed the character's eccentric wit and zeal.

Garry Essendine himself was portrayed magnificently by James Smithson, whose dynamic performance captured the actor's larger-than-life persona and underlying vulnerability. James delivered moments of hilarity and poignancy with perfect timing, and his interactions with the ensemble felt deeply authentic and endlessly entertaining.

Having seen this play performed several times, I must commend Lucy Taylor-Hill for her masterful direction. Lucy ensured that the dialogue was delivered with precision, pacing, and integrity, allowing the humour and artistic nuances to shine through. The costumes, crafted by Sarah Bailey, Ann Trinder, and the MADS team, beautifully reflected the era, enriching the authenticity of the production.

Overall, this rendition of Present Laughter was a testament to dedication and craftsmanship, with polished performances, sharp dialogue, and a captivating rhythm that kept the audience engaged throughout.

Thank you once again to MADS Theatre for your hospitality and warm welcome—I look forward to visiting again soon.

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