Sheridan Morley’s light-as-air musical soufflé, first seen at the King’s Head in 1983, is a useful reminder of Noël Coward’s lifelong friendship and professional partnership with Gertrude Lawrence.
Noël of course needs no introduction. One of those rare men who symbolises the era in which he lived, he was portrayed in a one-man show only a few weeks ago.
Morley tells the history of the stars’ relationship by using extracts from the plays in which they appeared together (Private Lives and the one-acter that became the classic weepie Brief Encounter) as well as nearly twenty Coward songs. Naturally we get ‘Mrs Worthington’ and ‘I’ll See You Again’.
The show looks sumptuous and is beautifully lit. But some may wonder why these bosom buddies, so frightfully in love with each other, never even get to first base.
They should bear in mind that Morley is the man who managed to write Coward’s biography without referring to his sexuality.
Here there’s only one fleeting reference to it. Noël says he loves women “but not in that way.” The line gets a big laugh.
On press night it was interesting to hear that the show’s two young performers each had their own supporters. Is he better than her? Or vice versa?
The back of Ben Stock’s head is very like Coward’s. But I was surprised that Stock made no attempt at impersonation. Coward’s inimitable voice is in fact very easily imitated.
Morley quotes somebody who said he spoke like a typewriter. But Stock doesn’t. Ironically Helena Blackman, who lost out to Connie Fisher in TV’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, has a stronger singing voice than Gertie. But Morley, who was primarily obsessed with Coward, has written very little to help Blackman suggest Gertie’s apparently magnetic star quality. She looks gorgeous though.
Rating: 3/5
Cockpit Theatre, Gateforth Street, NW8. Runs until 22nd October.
Box-office: 020 7258 2920
