Classic Farce

Noel Coward's sparkling farce Present Laughter is revived in Philadelphia at Walnut Street Theater! Described as 'semi-autobiographical' by its author, this zippy comedy centers on actor Gary Essendine, who is trying his best to cope with a mounting number of distractions on the eve of his tour to Africa. Written in 1939 but with a delayed premiere due to the outbreak of World War II, the play is a critically acclaimed classic which has had revivals on Broadway, the West End and the world over, with the likes of Ian McKellen, Victor Garber, Kevin Kline and many other stars having played Gary. 

What is Present Laughter About?

An actor of the highest calibre (in his own eyes at least), Gary Essendine always exudes a stately command of the stage. Unfortunately, he has slightly less control over his personal life, which, on the eve of a repertory tour of Africa, is becoming very complicated. There's a cavalcade of young women trying to lure him into bed, a playwright named Roland has become a little overly attached, and various members of his staff have been having affairs with each other's wives. It's enough to bring on a mid-life crisis, but Gary simply must get through it... by any means necessary!