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Present Laughter

by Noël Coward
from The Old Vic.

A person in a light-colored sweater is seated, looking thoughtfully into the distance. The background is minimal with a blue wall and some spherical light fixtures. Mirrors are also visible, reflecting parts of the scene.

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The multi award-winning production of Noël Coward‘s provocative comedy featuring Andrew Scott (Vanya, Fleabag) returns to the big screen.

As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control.

Filmed live during its sold-out run at The Old Vic in 2019. Directed by Matthew Warchus.

Winner of multiple awards including:

  • Olivier Awards – Best Actor (Andrew Scott)
  • Olivier Awards – Best Supporting Actress (Indira Varma)
  • Evening Standard Theatre Awards – Best Actor (Andrew Scott)
  • WhatsOnStage Awards – Best Actor (Andrew Scott)
  • WhatsOnStage Awards – Best Supporting Actress in a Play (Sophie Thompson)

Reviews

★★★★★

‘Andrew Scott’s revelatory performance shows why Nöel Coward is hailed a genius’

Telegraph

★★★★★

‘Illuminating and luminously funny’

WhatsOnStage

★★★★★

‘A treat of a production’

Financial Times

★★★★★

‘Andrew Scott is wondrous in this revelatory refresh of Nöel Coward’s classic comedy’

Time Out

★★★★★

‘The show belongs to Scott’

Times

5 reviews

Gallery

Andrew Scott and Indira Varma sit on a sofa.
Andrew Scott and Indira Varma sit on a sofa.
Andrew Scott and Indira Varma sit on a sofa.
View 6 images
Kitty Archer sits on a sofa as Andrew Scott leans towards her. She holds her hand to his face. Behind them two people wait. Luke Thallon lies on a sofa holding a pillow. Abdul Salis sits on a sofa with his hands in the air in despair. Indira Varma sits on a sofa.

Production images

Trailer