Present Laughter

WAAPA’s Third Year Acting Students present Noël Coward's Present Laughter, in a gorgeous looking, charming production, that is clever and engaging.

Kelly Fragon has designed an attractive pre-war set that is lavish and luxurious, with beautiful attention to detail. Costuming (a team led by Katy Rasaiah and J. Orman) perfectly sets the era, and we are transported to 1939 to a world that is somehow devoid of rising war concerns and tensions - a world that probably never existed - escapist and elite.

Martin Quinn plays central character, self-centred actor Garry Essendine, with dressing gown wearing Cowardesque perfection, anchoring the show brilliantly.

The members of Garry’s household are excellent. Rhianna McCourt is outstanding as slightly cynical and probably the most sensible character, secretary Monica Reed. Kingsley O’Connor brings life to cheeky valet Fred, while Jessica Vetch is an audience favourite as chain-smoking, stooped, Swedish house-keeper, Miss Erikson.

Sasha Simon sets the pace for the show in her opening scenes as star-struck ingenue Daphne Stillington, Natasha Vickery oozes elegance with intelligence as Garry’s ex-wife Liz and Laura McDonald is lovely as vampish Joanna.

Terrific teamwork from Garry’s friends and colleagues Morris Dixon (a smooth Charles Alexander) and Henry Lyppiatt (a strong Frazer Lee). 

Rounding out the cast are Mitchell Bourke - very funny as aspiring writer and fan Richard Maule - and borrowed first year student Ruby Maishman, impressive in her brief appearance as Lady Saltburn.

Ellen Sergeant’s lighting is classic and effective, while Kevin Tan’s sound design is well managed and striking.

This production has a wonderful understanding of the world and style of NoëlCoward - and as perfectly expressed in the programme by actor Martin Quinn - the quintessential irony of “vapid characters moving against the backdrop of an immensely more sinister world.” A beautifully conveyed, gorgeously acted, sumptuously presented production.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Jon Green