A new production of Noël Coward’s classic comedy Present Laughter is set to star Tracy-Ann Oberman.
Present Laughter will premiere at Theatre Royal Bath from 26 August to 5 September 2026, ahead of a UK tour.
The show is produced by Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Augusta Productions.
Noël Coward’s celebrated comedy about the temptations and pitfalls of theatrical celebrity will be presented in a new version reimagined by actress and playwright Tracy-Ann Oberman, who will star as Geri Essendine.
The production marks the first time that the main character of Garry Essendine has been played by a woman, and has been granted permission by The Noël Coward Estate. The role was originated on stage by Noël Coward in 1942.
Present Laughter will be directed by Lindsay Posner (Noises Off, A View From the Bridge, The Deep Blue Sea).
Tracy-Ann Oberman is no stranger to taking on great male roles, having played Shylock in her acclaimed adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, in The Merchant of Venice 1936.
Dates for the UK tour of Present Laughter are to be announced. There’s currently no news on whether Present Laughter will also run in the West End.
This is the first major UK production since The Old Vic’s acclaimed 2019 production of Present Laughter starring Andrew Scott and Indira Varma. That show is available on National Theatre at Home.
Theatre Royal Bath have also staged other productions of Present Laughter, notably Dominic Dromgoole’s 2003 revival starring Rik Mayall.
Other Noël Coward productions currently playing include Fallen Angels at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London starring Janie Dee and Alexandra Gilbreath.
More about tickets to Present Laughter
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