REVIEW: Present Laughter at New Theatre

New Theatre brings Noël Coward’s Present Laughter to its stage, and director Louise Fischer really did promise the title; the audience was bellowing with laughter at all times. Actor, ‘Garry Essendine’ juggles relentless admirers and the chaos of those around him, all while spiralling through a mid-life crisis.

Funny enough, I know people tend to see a play (mostly!) for its plot. Honestly, I found myself most entertained by the characters simply speaking to each other. The way they interacted and the characters they built so expertly kept me fully entertained and engaged. It really shows how well the dialogue has been constructed and how harmonious the timing and dynamic of the wit is. I truly just loved that I got to sit and laugh like no other.

Image provided by New Theatre

You know when someone just has “it” on stage? When their confidence is so natural and embedded in them that you can’t imagine them being anything else? That was Peter Eyers as ‘Garry Essendine’ for me. Eyers was entirely alluring. I was quite literally drawn to him, which is kind of ironic considering the play is about ‘Essendine’ being so enticing and fascinating to everyone around him. I suppose it’s just who ‘Garry Essendine’ is; he is constantly acting and projecting, completely unable to lift his veil and face the truth. 

It wasn’t even that Eyers necessarily commanded the stage, because that can sometimes imply something broad, like being so loud that they are the only thing anyone can look at. Eyers allowed people to have their time and moments fully, and he took his own with such quiet confidence that I understood why everyone was so obsessed with this guy. I was enamoured by Eyers’ ability to create connection with every character who walked on stage, and there were many. Especially his connections with Lib Campbell and Emily Weare’s characters that gave us such a tremendous watch.

Image provided by New Theatre

What was so noticeable about these characters was how full of character they were. I know that sounds kind of silly because isn’t that just… acting? But there is a line that actors walk where sometimes it seems as though they’re just saying the lines and don’t necessarily believe them. This play was full of believers. Whether it was how they tweaked their voices or tones, their entire being was rooted in their character. The whole cast thoroughly honed in on who they were playing.

Through costume, makeup, voice and movement, there was no slippage even if a line or two was fumbled. It was intricate. Every detail in makeup and costume built and supported a character that was already showing up so strongly. With so many characters popping through, it could have been easy for people to get lost, but there was such distinctness to each person that it kept me locked in.

On that note of building characters, the building of the set was just as magnificent. Set Designer, Tom Bannerman, created a space where great dialogue and characters had a setting that matched the standard. With so many people popping in and out, there was a chance of messy chaos, but the set created room for the flexible dynamics to shine.

At times, I felt that the plot was overshadowed by the characters. They were so strong that sometimes I found myself not knowing where the plot was heading or sometimes what it even was. I suppose there was something nice about simply being able to enjoy a play that makes you bellow.

This play really did live up to its name. It will have you laughing along with the rest of the audience. If you have a chance to see it, go for it.

4 Stars!

Present Laughter plays at New Theatre until December 13th.

Get Tickets here