Noel Coward's Present Laughter (1981), part 2

With Donald Sinden at the Vaudeville Theatre, London.

[@MichaelMendis]

The overacting is deliberate. Noel Coward was satirizing the theatrical conventions of his day. The play would not work at all if the actors did not "overact."

[@queensofdrag]

An absolute treasure. Delightful performances by all the cast.

[@roderickfernandez8554]

I've seen several Productions of present laughter on the web and this is by far the very best just wonderful timing is so great

[@deborahflello2316]

My goodness I can't remember when I have enjoyed something so much! The cast were excellent. I loved it!

[@rosemaryallen2128]

Watch it for the young Julian Fellowes. There must be a word for finding something delightful which you had not dreamed existed!

[@merlapittman5034]

Noel Coward - simply wonderful! This is a marvelous play, beautifully done. I enjoyed it immensely. Thanks for uploading it!

[@soniavadnjal7553]

Mrs Essendine is so elegant, (perfect casting btw).

[@ange9663]

Brilliant very funny, great cast Donald Sinden is superb ⭐⭐

[@sallycostello8379]

Belinda Lang is so versatile. What a great actor.

[@Lytton333]

Dinah Sheridan.. a real English beauty..

[@rosemaryclarke2348]

And a great comedienne, remember Genevieve,😂🎉

[@deborahduthie4519]

The finale , when the Actors and Actresses come out and bow is wonderful. A beautiful conclusion. Such a fun play.

[@elizabethdarley8646]

Julian Fellowes as Mr More. He wrote Downton Abbey! (Do you like my play?) Gwen Watford played the best friend of Miss Marple in the Joan Hickson BBC production of the Body in the Library. Most of the actors actresses here use the tapped r or trilled r sound in very, ferry etc. I have been teaching this to ten year olds this week.

[@simonjones7727]

I love your comment, but why are you teaching it to ten year olds? I hope you are teaching them to wear dressing gowns, use cigarette holders correctly and how to make a very, very dry Martini. If the 2040s turn out to be a carbon copy of the 1940s they should be quids in.

[@stephaniecarrow4898]

Thank you so much for posting this. Delightful and entertaining, a great cast all around. And what a voice Donald Sinden had ~ depth and resonance at once.

[@wildflowerred6323]

Thanks for posting this wonderfully witty play. This is my third viewing over several years. Generous people like you give us quality alternatives to the lackluster programs on cable and Netflix. This is one of the gold nuggets on KZbin that can be found with careful mining.

[@niccymak8243]

This is true. But the congratulations given to KZbin and the poster do not get through to the people who created the content we enjoyed. Could Alphabet be a little less rich and the creatives a great deal better rewarded?

[@johnlawrence2757]

Ah yes Noël Coward. It’s really important when you produce one of his plays that the whole cast should avoid performing as if they were acting in one of Noel Coward’s plays

[@mariacatherine229]

Thank you so much for this, it was absolutely delightful!! Terrific acting and very funny.

[@lcbrittain]

Oh, that was terrific! Thank you so much for posting this. Perfect, masterful timing, both of the poster and the actors!

[@gayham]

That was sublime, hooked from start to finish, the genius of coward and a stellar cast!

[@nlcrme]

Bravo! Bravo! Thank you so much for sharing this with us all. Absolutely Brilliant!

[@jeanash9502]

Thanks for this gem 💎

[@duantorruellas716]

I loved it , I've always been a fan of Noel Coward . 👍👍

[@stewartlone3445]

Yes, everyone is terrific. They really are and, of course, Donald is the master of the stage (I did see him once on stage in a Sheridan play and he was sheer joy) but can I just add a word in appreciation of Gwen Watford; acting perfection!

[@5cloudwalker]

Very very entertaining I just realized watching the cast bow that Julian Fellowes is the man that wrote Downton Abbey

[@seamuswhelan7523]

Roared with laughter, especially during the "French Farce ". Section.

[@Vera-kh8zj]

that was extremely enjoyable. Julian Fellowes, who played Roland, is outstanding

[@annelammel1027]

Thoroughly enjoying... brilliant script delivered........by sparkling actors!! Thank you......so refreshing!!

[@bobnewmanknott3433]

What a delightful romp !! oh for the days when the BBC was a great institution A belated thanks for the post

[@1058smj]

An unexpected treat.

[@qui_etes_vous]

oh boy, I cannot wait to be in the, Monarchy! Hello, it’s me, Brittney Lee Hill Collier. My destiny is to be a famous, British actress, and a Royal, for the United Kingdom. :D HAHA, and I figured out that Henry Cavill is supposed to be my Husband. That means, his Destiny is to be a Royal, with me, too. Henry Cavill is from the United Kingdom. He is British. He is the Famous, British Actor who plays, Superman. He has also been in, The Tudors (it is a television show), The Man from Uncle, Mission: Impossible-Fallout, Enola Holmes, and, he plays Superman again, in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. I figured out he was my Husband in March, of 2021. Gosh, I’ve been trying to figure out which Famous, White Actor was my Husband since, the year 2011, or so. So now, I’ll be traveling back to the United Kingdom, from Fullerton, C.A. (Fullerton, C.A. is in the country of the United States). I went to the United Kingdom, already, in 2020. Now that I know who my husband is, and that he does live in the United Kingdom, I’ll be heading back to the United Kingdom, this year, for the final time, to marry him. Yay for me, it’s Henry Cavill! :D I’m so excited! He IS super sexy; a real, LIVE Prince. I’m lucky. We are both super sexy and confident. He has a really cute home (I’ve seen it online), and a wonderful looking family (I’ve checked them out online, too)! I want lots of kids. I know how much he values family, and tradition. He’s my dream man. He is so beautiful. I am a cute, sexy, obedient, traditional, Southern, African American female, and I still haven’t gotten to meet him. What the heck, world? Society has been so disobedient, disoriented, purposeless, and in disarray, that I couldn’t EVEN muster the ability to simply fly to the United Kingdom, meet my husband, and be married. I AM happy, that I have the money, and the ability to fly back to the United Kingdom. I will simply, bring a backpack, and hike around the United Kingdom, until I find him

[@nlcrme]

@@qui_etes_vous Dear Lady Collier-Cavill I found your comment absolutely fantastically wonderful! Bravo Your Grace!!! You have the most wonderful personality and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the details about your exciting life ;-) Best wishes to you always ❤

[@qui_etes_vous]

@@nlcrme I am happy that you enjoyed this! I am truly- touched! Best wishes to us- all- silly :D ! -Brittney Lee Hill Collier, Tuesday, June, 1st, 2021. 6:38 a.m.

[@ritawing1064]

Who now remembers the truly horrible smell of ash trays after a party?

[@kathyh4804]

Charming play! Thank you 🌹

[@mimimatasar3699]

Fabulous ×2

[@a697ag]

Loved it! Thank you so much for posting

[@soniavadnjal7553]

Didn't recognise Belinda Lang, so different from the Alleyn series. Absolutely hilarious as Daphne!

[@alanparkinson5411]

An absolute delight from start to finish!

[@snilloceth]

Brilliant play and performances.

[@Crumphorn]

I can't believe I saw this live years ago. Sinden was always hilarious.

[@Fatherflot64]

"Don't go back to Uckfield. . . . and waste another year."

[@elinstar6034]

Fantastic, my first noel coward play, and SO good. Thanks for sharing such a treasure

[@robertczebotar7025]

Please about help 🍀 Could You, dear English language holders, explain to me, in what accent is Daphne speaking?

[@soniavadnjal7553]

Aristocratic english, but very exaggerated, for comic effect.

[@musicae4531]

I watch it over ans over, what a classic, thanks so much!

[@judithhopes151]

That performance must have lost since half a stone a night.

[@mtm00]

Exceptional cast and acting. Absolutely wonderful entertainment. Thank you, E.W.R. Many, for sharing.

[@mango0tree6]

A authentic jewel! Thanks for sharing it!

[@diarmaidflynn8952]

Thank you 💕

[@daverhodes362]

How wonderful. A delightful couple of hours with Ms Sheridan and Ms Watford!

[@cindymaceda2999]

I came to live in London from the Philippines in the late ‘80s and came to adore British theatre, Britain’s immeasurable contribution to world culture. But I totally missed the career of the brilliant Donald Sinden, sadly. I’ve just discovered his magnificent terpsichorean talent upon viewing this Coward classic and am now hoping to find his other filmed performances on YT. Thank you for this ! 🥰

[@rogerlucas777]

I never really liked DS much. My opinion has changed. What a performance! Love and admire him now. JF was sooo good too. He certainly headed Noel Cowards advice about there being room for Dukes and Duchesses in the interview that followed this - "Noel Coward on acting. I imagine every aspect of this was experienced by NC at some point in his life. What fun ! He used it to create another gleeful masterpiece. Who sounded just like Katherine Hepburn? You'll see, a clue from her performance in "The Lion in Winter." - "We did it, you were 'in the next room' when we did it!" (Henry - Peter O. Toole - accused his banished Queen of having slept with his father. Not seen it- don't fail to buy it. Anthony Hopkins film debut.)

[@brendadow7574]

Brilliant, loved it, thank you ❤️

[@globyois]

ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL! And everyone was fantastic! Especially the director! With this cast and this director, I don’t see how this play can EVER be improved upon.

[@angelwoman9235]

Really good.So enjoyable.Great acting

[@thisandthat9710]

FABULOUS!

[@angelamagruder5911]

Wow can you believe this looks like everyone wants to go with gary to africa,looks like its getting very overcrowded!!!!

[@cherieemmanuelle]

God, I love the theater.

[@stuartrichardson9004]

Terrific to see Julian Fellowes (creator and writer of Gosford Park and Downton Abbey) in one of his early theatre roles.

[@jon_co]

Yes that was fascinating!

[@gayham]

Stuart Richardson no way! I knew I knew that name, wow that’s awesome

[@wlancaster3]

Particularly interesting to see him as the comic relief in a comedy

[@ritawing1064]

And again...always a tonic!

[@ritawing1064]

Just watched again....better than ever!

[@RaveDave871]

I suppose this believable scenario before invention ov gaydar huh. When leading man walks in my gaydar maxs out 😳

[@MrDavey2010]

I saw Kevin Kline in the star role but his performance is eclipsed by Sir Donald.

[@ETIENNE8100]

Phenomenal

[@maxinejacobson4006]

Just perfick, as Pa, David Jason from “The Darling Buds of May” would say!

[@springsogourne]

Joanna is the same as Gary. It’s interesting to see how the social norms are so different for men and women.

[@capt.molyneaux7037]

Yes, Gwen Watford !

[@soniavadnjal7553]

She was great in Marple too!

[@elinstar6034]

Just wonderful.

[@ianrowe9337]

Sheer Brilliance ... theatre at its finest!

[@mtm00]

Most enjoyable.

[@kmcg6444]

Bravo!

[@jayvos6226]

Terrific!

[@mistyleebrown7090]

Fabulous

[@joansavage1857]

Excellent! Thank you…

[@clivefuller-hale5073]

Enjoyed this very much. Reminded me of many visits to various west end theatres over 40 years ago.

[@michellegruber4187]

Oh yes, the good old days indeed.

[@artshaman7677]

So enjoyed this! Thanks.

[@ksay7649]

I adored that thanks, I remember watching it on a video recorded by my late father all those years ago

[@J.B24]

I wish they would show more of these plays. It's a nice escape. I especially like the set design. That door with the painting on it is amazing.

[@soniavadnjal7553]

Yes it's delightful. Gives me ideas of my own. I mean the painted "kitchen" door.

[@simonjones7727]

Yes, it is an amazing set, and that striped wall with the framed theatrical prints is perfectly in period for the late 30s/early 40s where there was a sort of a Regency Moderne style. I was rewatching the David Lean "Blithe Spirit" recently. By some miracle the 1940s no longer looks to my eye "mostly hideous" but now "mostly exquisite". Gold lacquer coffee cups by Noritake, a bathroom suite in eau de nil, scallop shaped sofas; now suddenly all to die for. It has not changed, I have, but I suppose as the styles of our own era continue to evolve we are always reappraising.

[@sherrieray3360]

A pure joy!

[@deopsm]

bravo

[@angelamagruder5911]

Somebody has been watching the tyler perry plays/movies,using ideas,that is exactly the way he ends his plays (compliments USA)!!

[@dillardjenkins5118]

How did the ash of that cigarette hanging in the corner of that women mouth cigarette not fall off?

[@roderickfernandez8554]

That's called good acting my dear

[@dillardjenkins5118]

@@roderickfernandez8554 No Michael that's physics.

[@roderickfernandez8554]

Well you win it is physics I have to agree

[@barbarapoulden9235]

Papier-mâché

[@vickikay54]

There is nothing on the stage today to compare with this. I LOVED it!! My only regret is not seeing it live on stage 😢😢. Im in Australia and i know that if this play was presented here, it would pale into insignificance compared to this older English version.

[@pigletsdaddy3052]

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the play a couple of time. One performance had the highlight of Edward Fox playing the Valet, always a superb performance, and the other with Rik Mayall as the lead. Rik, was Rik. If you’ve saw him on stage, you’ll know what I mean. Very funny, kept the cast guessing as to what he was going to do next, and a lot of playing to the audience. Especially when flicking the v’s to the audience when he fluffed a line. It was less than conventional but hilarious.

[@markoadzic7355]

Could someone, please, tell me what is the name of the music heard at the very beginning of the play? Thank you in advance. 🙂

[@philthycat1408]

Can’t believe I watched both parts back to back. Excellent entertainment at last.

[@voovvoov7590]

Ty.

[@adamhughes4442]

To be honest, I think I could write something better than this!

[@horrortackleharry]

Good job that spare room door was thick enough to completely noise-cancel the sound of the telephone ringing!

[@ritawing1064]

And yet again, it's so brilliant!

[@stellaferguson7263]

how brilliant!!!!!

[@bnoltcheva]

Just marvelous ❤

[@mayranoguera838]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@debraorgan5262]

😂❤Hilarious

[@merriem24]

First time seeing this version. It’s my favorite so far

[@Dina-md3ji]

Wonderful play pleasure to watch

[@charleyromaigne7385]

One word remarkable all around

[@stephenhaitako4665]

Beautiful acting. Eyewateringly tedious plot.

[@elinstar6034]

I find it interesting for the insight it gives into Noel Coward's life

[@michaelmayoh656]

Wonderful plot!

[@striverfor7628]

30:24 Act 3

[@michelleduplooymalherbe2837]

did anybody else notice how much they all smoke??

[@michaelmayoh656]

Quite often in those days I would be the only person in the pub or room that didn't smoke!

[@springsogourne]

Please explain; why was it funny when he tried to carry Daphnes suitcase into the office? I have Asperger’s and I don’t understand. 46:40

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

She didn't want the person at the door to know that she was there. It would be very awkward.

[@springsogourne]

@@bovnycccoperalover3579 ok, thank you!

[@anthonyochocki6535]

Very enjoyable....but just too, too Dated; more a retrospective performance from a by-gone Era.....

[@michaelmayoh656]

Oh dear so that makes Shakespeare dated too!?

[@simonjones7727]

I agree, it needs a style that is lighter and faster to make the comedy truly fly. Coward, at his very best, comes close to the Theatre of the Absurd. Donald Sinden milks the part here and the play never really gets airborne for very long. Dinah Sheridan's performance has a bit of steel about it, though. Nevertheless, very enjoyable, as you say.

[@joanmulhall5616]

Often tedious.

[@michaelmayoh656]

Oh No!

[@capt.molyneaux7037]

Funny play. Awful cast. Who'd wanna go to bed w Donald Sinden ?

[@naly202]

you're so unfair! and so wrong. the cast is magnificent.

[@ginnylorenz5265]

Donald Sinden was VERY attractive. And in his younger days......OOO LA LA.

[@ginnylorenz5265]

I first fell (madly) for Donald Sinden in "Mad About Men", with Glynis Johns as a mermaid. And then I loved him in the t.v. series "Two's Company" with Elaine Stritch.

[@mindakahn9964]

That’s sort of the point. Read Coward.

[@michaelmayoh656]

Me!