Overview

In this thought-provoking collection of essays and interviews, theatrical scholars, playwrights, actors and directors consider Noel Coward's contribution to modern British theatre. They explore the importance of gender, class and nation in the shaping of his work, and the singular challenges his plays present to actors and audiences in the year 2000. Contributors include playwright David Edgar, critic Michael Coveney, biographer Philip Hoare, and scholar Peter Holland.

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9780413755001

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Reviews

During the centenary year of Noel Coward's birth, a symposium was held at Birmingham University to consider his work and this book reprints many of the papers delivered there. They vary in quality and it must be said that none shed a very new light on the plays for anyone who knows well. But highlights include Dominic Vlasto on his music, David Edgar on his place in the 20th century British theatre, and Russell Jackson on his patriotism are interesting, while a number of actors and directors (including Maria Aitken and Juliet Stevenson) are revealing about his technique. If nothing else the book does underline Coward's importace, for too long ignored by the critics if not by his fellow playwrights and his audiences. (Kirkus UK)

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