Present Laughter

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https://newtheatre.org.au/present-laughter/

Date Reviewed: 14/11/2025

A Sparkling Revival: Present Laughter Delights at New Theatre

Noël Coward's "Present Laughter" is theatre at its best, and New Theatre's current production shows exactly why this 1939 comedy remains a classic. Under Louise Fischer's direction, this fast-paced farce is full of energy, wit, and a cast that brings Coward's semi-autobiographical comedy to life.

Peter Eyers is perfect as Garry Essendine, playing the role with exactly the style Coward intended. Eyers shows us not just Garry's charm and ego, but also his real crisis of a man who's just turned 40 and is struggling to figure out who he really is beyond his celebrity image. It's a performance that balances the funny moments and the deeper emotions.

From the start, Larissa Turton grabs your attention as Daphne Stillington, the obsessed fan chasing after Garry. Turton's facial expressions are incredible—every look, every change in her voice adds new layers of comedy. She plays the "annoying fan" so well that she becomes completely captivating rather than just irritating. Her non-stop energy from beginning to end fills the production with enthusiasm that spreads to everyone on stage.

Emily Weare is excellent as Monica Reed, Garry's long-suffering secretary, giving what might be the show's best performance. Weare brings a calm, organized presence that acts as the steady center of all the chaos around Garry. Her subtle brilliance gives the play the solid foundation it needs, and she holds your attention through pure presence and skill rather than showiness. It's a lesson in how to steal scenes through intelligence and composure.

Molly Haddon brings warmth and humor to Liz Essendine, Garry's not-quite-ex-wife. Her affectionate frustration with her husband's behavior provides both laughs and real feelings. Her chemistry with Eyers shows the genuine connection that still exists in their complicated relationship.

Lib Campbell's Joanna Lyppiatt is completely mesmerizing as she tries to seduce Garry. Her ability to change her voice and mood is used with perfect timing, creating a character who feels both manipulative and somehow likable. Campbell handles the role beautifully, making Joanna's schemes highly entertaining.

The production's hidden gems are Oliver Harcourt-Ham as Fred the butler and Liz Grindley in her double role as Miss Hamilton and Lady Saltburn. Their sneaky moments of rebellion—grabbing cigarettes and sherry when nobody's watching—provide some of the evening's best laughs. These perfectly observed moments add wonderful texture to the show.

The entire cast works together beautifully, supported by Tom Bannerman's elegant set design and Michael Schell's lighting. The show never drags across its nearly three-hour running time, thanks to Fischer's excellent direction.

This production of "Present Laughter" is exactly what New Theatre does best: classic theatre performed with passion, skill, and real love for the material. It's an evening that entertains from start to finish, proving that Coward's bubbly comedy still delights as much as ever. Don't miss this one, as it will definitely stand out as one of New Theatre's triumphs this season.

Reviewed by Anushka Dharmadhikari