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My Dearest
Mr Coward
Worcester Theatres **** My Dearest Mr Coward is a nostalgic tribute to Noël Coward, ne of the great entertainers of the twentieth century stage. Coward’s prolific
output of plays, songs, musicals, films and cabaret entertained
audiences across the world, but especially in London and New York. The evening provided us with a large number of
facts about his life, relationships and productions in a slick and
professional manner which charmed without quite achieving any ‘wow’
factor. We enjoyed 17 or more songs, mostly written by Noel Coward
himself, but some by Gershwin, Irving Berlin and others: light, witty
and lively numbers which an older generation may well recall. Among his best known plays, Private Lives,
Blithe Spirit, Hay Fever and Present Laughter have
remained popular and are frequently revived today. Gary Jerry holds the evening together on the
lovely Steinway piano. His energy and stamina complement his wonderful
skills as a pianist and musician, though occasionally the balance of
piano against voice was a trifle loud.
The biographical narrative and episodes are
narrated and sung by a quartet of actor/singers – Ian Parkin, Janine
Pardo, Harry Revell and Sarah Day. Their historical information was
interspersed with the songs, accompanied by simple choreography and
laced with humour and wit, in a suave and sophisticated manner,
reflecting the world of upper class and indulgent privilege. While the evening began with Coward’s birth and
concluded with his death, there was not a strong narrative thread and
little sense of progression or climax. In the intimate setting of
Huntingdon Hall one almost got the impression of an informal gathering
in a stately drawing room. The performance carried an elegant charm and
the audience received the show with dignified approval. Tim Crow 04-05-22 |
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