Noël Coward was an English playwright and composer, celebrated for his wit, flamboyance, and distinctive personal style. His plays and songs experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, with his work and aesthetic continuing to shape popular culture. His enduring influence is evident in theatrical and musical creations to this day.
In the twilight of his life, a cosmopolitan author navigates the complexities of love and commitment, torn between his long-standing wife of convenience and a passionate new relationship. The narrative explores themes of desire, regret, and the search for meaning, blending humor with poignant reflections on aging and relationships. As he grapples with his choices, the author’s journey reveals the bittersweet nature of life’s transitions and the emotional intricacies of human connection.
"Its fusion of passion and mischief remains striking and there is something undeniably heady about its celebration of a kind of sexual liberation that looks a lot like flippancy" - Evening Standard From 1930s bohemian Paris to the dizzying heights of Manhattan society, a tempestuous love triangle unravels between a vivacious interior designer, Gilda, playwright Leo and artist Otto - three people unashamedly and passionately in love with each other. But can such a lavish love affair survive the real world? Exploring themes of bisexuality, celebrity, success and self-obsession, Design for Living is a stylish and scandalous comedy, that is often revered as Coward's most controversial and risqué work. This new edition is published in Methuen Drama's iconic Modern Classics series to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Coward's death and features a new introduction by Oliver Soden.
Genre: Comedy Characters: 3 males, 3 females Scenery: Interior Best friends now happily married to others, Julia and Jane both once counted the dashing Frenchman Maurice as their lover. Guess who's back in town and requesting the pleasure of the ladies company? Coward at his inimitable best, the story is a champagne cocktail of wit and charm.
Hay Fever is a comic play written by Noël Coward in 1924 and first produced in 1925. A cross between high farce and a comedy of manners, the play is set in an English country house in the 1920s, and deals with the four eccentric members of the Bliss family and their outlandish behaviour when they each invite a guest to spend the weekend. The self-centred behaviour of the hosts finally drives their guests to flee while the Blisses are so engaged in a family row that they do not notice their guests' furtive departure.
"Although Noël Coward's work as playwright, songwriter and actor of stage and screen has long been celebrated, his contributions to the British musical have largely been forgotten. This lack of attention is due in part because of the idiosyncratic nature of the works themselves that imitates the creative nature of Coward himself. This new anthology rectifies this omission from the musical theatre landscape and together demonstrates his adaptability, the extent of his creativity, and the myriad of styles and genres that constituted British musicals from the 1920s-1970s. Through flop shows at Drury Lane with Mary Martin through to his Broadway hits with Elaine Stritch, this anthology spans a variety of styles, from revue to musical comedy to operetta. The works in this volume will provide a contemporary critical introduction to the wide range of Coward's musical works, illustrating the breadth and depth of his work, and highlighting the diverse identities of the collaborators and performers with whom he worked. Though the style of these works varies, they are linked together by his creative thread, and his ability to craft barbed and witty observations of his social world. This volume is a timely portrait of Coward's oeuvre and its lasting influence on the wider world of British theatre. This Year of Grace (1928), also known as Cochran's 1928 Revue Bitter Sweet (1929) Words and Music (1932) Pacific 1860 (1946) Ace of Clubs (1949) Sail Away (1961) The Girl Who Came to Supper (1963)"-- Provided by publisher
A struggling widow turns to her ailing brother for financial help, as he plans to leave his fortune to one of her five adult children. This light-hearted tale explores the dynamics of a dysfunctional family, highlighting themes of greed and the allure of an easier life. Noël Coward weaves humor and drama into the family's interactions as they navigate their ambitions and relationships amidst the looming inheritance.
"Coward Plays: 9" presents a selection of Noël Coward's lesser-known works, including "Salute to the Brave," "Long Island Sound," and "Volcano," alongside "Design for Rehearsing" and the unfinished "Age Cannot Wither." This collection reveals new insights into Coward's diverse playwrighting beyond his famous works.
I am shirking off the chains that have shackled me for so long – I have suddenly come to realise that I am a woman – a living, passionate, pulsating woman – it never occurred to me before. Janet Ebony and her best friend, Peter Chelsworth, are innocently sharing a sleeping compartment when their train to Paris is involved in a disastrous railway accident. Outrage and scandal ensue as Janet's husband, Paul, and her fearsome mother-in-law accuse Janet and Peter of adultery. Aghast at their families' accusations, Janet and Peter decide to take revenge by inventing an adulterous affair ... Written with Noël Coward's trademark wit and insight, Home Chat is a distinctly modern comedy about female sexuality and fidelity in a society rigidly governed by decorum and reputation. This edition was published to coincide with the first revival of the play since its premiere in 1927.
This collection brings together three of Noël Coward's most important screenplays: In Which We Serve (1942), Brief Encounter (1945), and The Astonished Heart (1950). The volume features the shooting scripts for each film alongside contextual notes for each screenplay, and a general introduction, by Barry Day.
Featuring a diverse collection of works, this reader presents a unique selection from Noel Coward's extensive repertoire. It includes entertaining annotations and rich illustrations, alongside previously unpublished material. This compilation showcases the depth and versatility of Coward's artistry, making it an essential addition for fans and newcomers alike.
