Acting Edition S. Series

An Adaptation to novel of Noel Coward's most famous play Originally written in the dark days of 1941, Coward's Blithe Spirit captured the imagination of the world, going on to become both a blockbuster movie, and one of the enduring staples of the British theatre. In this brilliant adaptation of Coward's most popular stage-play, we make a welcome return visit to the home of the psychic Madame Arcati in an escapist comedy about relationships on both sides of the grave.; First in a series of novelisations of popular plays by Noel Coward; Coward's most frequently revived play: the original production ran for almost 2,000 performances, and spawned a hugely successful David Lean film starring Rex Harrison.; Charles Osborne's novel adaptations of Agatha Christie's plays have sold well throughout the world.

Present Laughter

by Noel Coward

Published 1 January 1976

At the centre of his own universe sits matinee idol Garry Essendine: suave, hedonistic and too old, says his wife, to be having numerous affairs. His line in harmless, infatuated debutantes is largely tolerated but playing closer to home is not. Just before he escapes on tour to Africa the full extent of his misdemeanours is discovered. And all hell breaks loose. Noel Coward's Present Laughter premiered in the early years of the Second World War just as such privileged lives were threatened with fundamental social change. This edition of the play is published to coincide with the National Theatre's production running from September 2007. The text features an introduction that considers the directorial decisions and interpretation in the National's production.

Private Lives

by Noel Coward

Published 3 January 1998

Private Lives is one of the most sophisticated, entertaining plays ever written. Elyot and Amanda, once married and now honeymooning with new spouses at the same hotel, meet by chance, reignite the old spark and impulsively elope. After days of being reunited, they again find their fiery romance alternating between passions of love and anger. Their aggrieved spouses appear and a roundelay of affiliations ensues as the women first stick together, then apart, and new partnerships are formed.

Fumed Oak

by Noel Coward

Published 1 June 1938

One of the "Tonight At 8:30" series, produced in London and New York. In the middle class drawing room of amiable and hard working Henry Gow passes most of the family life surrounding his harridan wife Doris, his brat daughter Elise, and his complaining mother in law Mrs. Rockett.3 women, 1 man

Bitter Sweet

by Noel Coward

Published 1 February 1933

Everything that wealthy London society had to offer a properly brought-up girl lay at the feet of little Sarah Millick in 1875; but she fell so desperately in love with her handsome young singing master that she threw it all away in order to be with him.-12 women, 2 men

Hay Fever

by Noel Coward

Published 1 December 1925

Hoping for a quiet weekend in the country with some guests, David Bliss, a novelist and his wife Judith, a retired actress, find that an impossible dream when their high-spirited children Simon and Sorel appear with guests of their own. A housefull of drama waits to be ignited as misunderstandings and tempers flare. With Judith's new flame and David's newest literary 'inspiration' keeping company as the children follow suit, the Bliss family lives up to its name as the 'quiet weekend' comes to an exhausting and hilarious finale worthy of Feydeau.

I'll Leave It to You

by Noel Coward

Published 10 March 2010

A Classic Noel Coward Comedy. From the master of the British light comedy comes the Jazz-Age play of the Dermott family who depend on the generosity of a wealthy uncle in South America. Their lives are suddenly changed when the uncle puts in a surprise appearance in place of the usual check. Theatrical Arts Press, publisher of acting editions of noteworthy plays and musicals.

This Happy Breed

by Noel Coward

Published 1 December 1973

This Happy Breed covers twenty years in the life of the Frank and Ethel Bibbons and their children, from the end of World War I to the beginning of World War II. On one level the story is the chronicle of a middle class family. They haven't done well in the years between the wars, but in the face of another conflict, family unity spans the chasm between the generations. At another level, this is the story of England, torn at times by the conflicts of its own progress, but quietly firm in its historical moments of crisis.

Come into the Garden Maud

by Noel Coward

Published 1 May 1967

Performed with Shadows of the Evening in London with Coward, Lilli Palmer and Irene Worth, this view of the haute monde is tempered by having the man and wife Americans this time. She is a social climber, while he is a rich cornhusker who couldn't care less about society. While the wife is entertaining a high and mighty prince downstairs, the husband is entertaining a threadbare princess upstairs. It doesn't take long for the husband to realize he has more in common with royalty than his wife does.2 women, 2 men

Waiting in the Wings

by Noel Coward

Published 22 July 2010

Comedy / 4m, 14f / Int.

Coward's tribute to theatre is set in a retirement home for actresses, all former stars. Jealousies abound, especially between Lotta and another who was also married to her former husband. A tragedy brings them to their senses and a new solarium brings out everyone's good nature. Lotta chooses to stay with her old friends rather than go live with her son.

"Should rejoice those of us who still have hearts." London News Chronicle.

Relative Values

by Noel Coward

Published 1 January 1952

Still Life

by Noel Coward

Published 1 December 1966