Present Laughter

As always it was a great pleasure to accept the invitation to see the latest Drama “Present Laughter” performed by Class Act Drama Society at the Drill Hall Chepstow. This is a  classic Noel Coward play and there would be some fixed expectations from any audience of the style and characterisation of the personalities portrayed. 

A beautifully designed opening stage set the scene and enhanced the smooth movement of the play from beginning to end. My congratulations to Louise Pugh. The set design had a great effect on the total performance.

Toby Burnett-Fielding played the over indulged star of the stage Garry Essendine very convincingly and with great panache. Excellent body language and facial expression with typical Coward diction control, made for an expressive, funny and entertaining performance. His characterisation blended extremely well with all the varying character roles within the performance. Well done.

Cathy Lewis as the long-suffering Secretary Monica Reed, left us in no doubt as to who was truly in charge of the day-to-day turmoil of a spoiled actor. Her poise and expression were perfect. Excellent casting.

Callum Woodward as the slightly deranged writer and super fan Roland Maulle, gave the most energetic example of stalking your heroes with some well-timed comedy moments.

Louise Pugh played the lovable but significant Vamp Joanna Lyppiatt to perfection. You just couldn’t help liking this rather wicked character.

Ellie Hall as the wife? Ex-wife ? wife insitu? I was never quite sure, Liz Essendine gave a good performance with poise and control and looked totally at home whatever the marital situation. Well done, it was confusing but funny.

One of the most appealing characters was Fred, sometime chauffeur,  played by Elliott Postle. He popped in and out of the action but always made a difference and you didn’t quite know why. Excellent comic timing and delivery. An excellent cameo role well performed.

An excellent performance from a very talented society. I look forward to your next production.

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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