Noel & Gertie (2017)

Synopsis

Matthew Townshend Productions toured a superb adaptation of Sheridan Morley’s Noel and Gertie to theatres across the country.

The show, which was on tour between February 2016 and May 2017, chronicled the legendary lifelong friendship of playwright Noel Coward and actress Gertrude Lawrence.

Featuring songs, sketches and scenes from some of Coward’s best works, it paid tribute to two of the best-loved performers of this century while taking a well-orchestrated trip down memory lane.

The show featured scenes from Private Lives, Still Life and Blithe Spirit and snippets of timeless songs such as Dance Little Lady and, of course I’ll See You Again. 

The nature of the production allowed for an intimate setting which encourages the audience to pick up every smirk, grimace and subtly raised eyebrow.

But the cast of just two – accompanied by a pianist – held their own on a big stage.

Ben Stock and Helen Power played the title roles. Between them, they have appeared in leading roles in musicals across the country and in the West End with credits such as Sunset Boulevard, Salad Days, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Chess, Beauty and the Beast,Thoroughly Modern Millie and Hello, Dolly to their names. Musical direction was by Steven Edis and piano accompaniment provided by Jonathan Lee.

The mtp production, based on the original which ran for nine years in the West End, featured as part of the 75th Anniversary season of Frinton Summer Theatre 2014 and met with rave reviews.

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