Noel and Gertie revival at the Stephen Joseph

Noël and Gertie – the story of the close friendship between Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence – can be seen in the McCarthy.

Based on the ‘real-life love story’ of playwright and songwriter Coward and actress Lawrence, the production is a revival of Sheridan Morley’s hit West End play crafted from diaries and letters, excerpts of their most famous performances together and unforgettable songs such as Mrs Worthington, Some Day I’ll Find You and Parisian Pierrot. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Morley’s death; the play is being revived as a celebration of his life.

Director and producer Matthew Townshend, of Townshend Productions, said: “This play encapsulates a real-life love story and the complex relationship between an extraordinary duo who were inseparable until Gertrude’s premature death during her Broadway run of The King And I.

“It epitomises an era of sophistication and elegance and features songs, sketches and snippets of scenes from some of Coward’s most famous work including Private Lives, Blithe Spirit and Tonight at 8.30, as well as his unmistakable wit.”

Helen Powerplays Gertie and Ben Stock plays Coward. Live piano accompaniment is provided by Jonathan Lee.

Noël and Gertie can be seen at 7.45pm on Wednesday April 19, and at 1.45pm and 7.15pm on Thursday April 20.