Present Laughter

As is usual with this talented company, and earning a well-deserved round of applause the tabs opened onto a fantastic set representing the London flat, or “studio” as it is  often referred to in the script, of Garry Essendine a successful actor who is about to  embark on a touring commitment in Africa. 

Self-obsessed Garry is in the middle of a mid-life crisis having recently turned forty and  his last few days before leaving to go on tour become somewhat of a roller-coaster of  events. He is pulled this way and that by a stream of visitors vying for his attentions, as  his staff together with his wife, having seen it all before, stoically try to extricate him from the clutches of a young female fan, the wife of his producer and an aspiring young  playwright, all who seem completely obsessed by him! 

As mentioned, the stunning set made a perfect backdrop for the action that followed.  Beautifully decorated, the wallpaper cunningly concealed the swing door to the  domestic quarters with a glimpse of a tiled anti-room beyond, an attractive staircase  USR and doors DSL and DSR leading to the office and spare bedroom. The furniture and  dressing were well chosen, there was even a glimpse of Claris Cliff in the display  cabinet, and the deep sofa just off centre was simply perfect for the posturing and  posing that was to come!  

This was an extremely busy household with lots of arrivals, departures and telephone  calls, but the impression was of a close and intimate circle, all entwined together with  Garry’s welfare paramount as they endeavoured to prevent him spiralling out of control! Everyone was well cast and played their roles with commitment and sincerity. Miss Erickson the Swedish housekeeper was suitably eccentric and strange as the  character demanded. 

The performer stepping in at only three weeks’ notice to play Daphne the young fan with  designs on Garry, did exceptionally well, not putting a foot wrong. Having “forgotten” her  latch key she was forced to spend the night at the flat emerging from the spare room in  the morning attractively attired in Garry’s pyjamas and dressing-gown, of which there  were plenty in this production, and raised a warm ripple of laughter from the audience  when she appeared later dressed in her fairy costume from the night before!  Monica Reed, his secretary of seventeen years, was efficiently played conveying the  sense of a kindergarten teacher dealing with a somewhat recalcitrant child, they were  sparring constantly as did Garry’s wife. No longer living together Liz however kept a  watchful eye, constantly turning up at crucial moments and pointing out the error of his  ways. 

This role was played in a somewhat matronly style which totally suited the character  and what she was striving to achieve.

The director made a congenial Fred the valet, constantly providing refreshments for the  stream of visitors, while managing to give a glimpse of a life outside with his paramour Doris, who Garry felt he was taking advantage of, but as Fred says “why not, she likes it and a good time’s ‘ad by all” Could Garry be a tiny bit envious of Fred perhaps? The two performers playing Morris, Garry’s Manager and Henry his Producer skilfully brought out their individual characters, each with their own agendas. Henry clearly  showing his frustration with Garry’s behaviour while Morris demonstrated his angst  being romantically involved with Joanna, Henry’s wife. 

Joanna’s entrance when she turned up at the “studio” throwing herself on Garry’s good  nature, having conveniently forgotten her latchkey was simply a “tour de force”. She  looked stunning in a fabulous dress and an amazing wig which seemed to defy gravity.  This was an extremely polished performance perfectly conveying her determination to  inveigle herself into the “inner circle” of the household and no longer feel like an  “outsider”. 

Roland Maule the aspiring young playwright was gently but effectively played, his  vigorous handshake a surprise to everyone he met, and he quickly became totally in  awe of Garry adding further to the mayhem and intrigue of the situation. The cameo role of Lady Saltburn made for a charming scene towards the end when she  brought her niece Daphne to read for Garry. There were certainly no “ifs or buts” about  their arrival but their thunder was certainly stolen when Joanna entered from the spare  room DSR in the same pyjamas and dressing-gown worn by Daphne a few days earlier! Of course, central to all this was Garry himself, and what a superb performance it was!  Only off for eight pages in the entire play not only did he manage to learn all the lines but encompassed all the different traits of the character. Charismatic, self-centred, vain and arrogant he simply couldn’t resist the attentions of those who offered themselves to  him. Using every part of the space he ranted, raged and seduced as the action dictated,  his expressions showing every nuance of his feelings. 

There were some marvellous moments when the large semi-circular sofa was put to  good use especially when he succumbed to Joanna’s charms – a particularly well  played scene. 

The ending when Daphne, Joanna and Roland all arrived to accompany Garry on board  ship to Africa was hilarious his face was a picture – “we can all do lifeboat drill  together!”. 

The costumes were excellently chosen and perfect for the characters, with a plethora of  striking dressing-gowns, and a very luxurious maroon velvet smoking-jacket.  Lighting and sound compliment the action, and the uplighter wall lights a nice touch. At this performance, a comment was heard early on that some of the dialogue was a tad  quiet, but it did improve. Also, as it was rather a long first half an audience member did  think it was the end at the interval. Difficult with three Acts and a very wordy piece.  However overall, the performance was extremely well received, with the audience  buzzing at the end! 

Congratulations must go to the company for bringing this ambitious piece to the stage,  they certainly did justice to the legendary wit of the playwright and his “talent to  amuse”- well done!

 

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