Present Laughter

Fleabag’s Andrew Scott is caught up in a whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching in Noël’s Coward’s classic comedy. Matthew Warchus directs Andrew Scott (BBC’s Sherlock, Fleabag) in Noël Coward’s provocative comedy Present Laughter. As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching. Captured live from The Old Vic in London, Present Laughter is a giddy and surprisingly modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness. ★★★★★. A treat of a production: a timely depiction of the hollow nature of fame. Financial Times. ★★★★★. Andrew Scott is wondrous in this revelatory refresh of Noël Coward’s classic comedy. ~ TimeOut. ★★★★★. Illuminating and luminously funny. ~ WhatsOnStage. ★★★★★. The show belongs to Scott… ~ The Times.