All-Cork cast for classic Coward comedy at the Everyman

One of Noel Coward’s four great comedies of manners is coming to a Cork theatre next month for six nights.

Present Laughter will be performed at the Everyman Theatre from September 24 to 29.

Featuring an all-Cork cast, the plot depicts a few days in the life of the successful, and self-obsessed, light comedy actor Garry Essendine as he prepares to travel for a touring commitment in Africa.

First produced in London’s West End in 1942, the play presents an exaggerated picture not only of the playwright himself, but of his whole household, his court, his admirers, his lifestyle, and his era.

The production is directed by the renowned Mary Curtin.

It will feature well-known Cork actors Shirley McCarthy, Rebecca Allman, Ann Dorgan, Ian McGuirk, Vannessa Hyde, Marie O’Donovan, Jim O’Mahoney, Kenneth Speight, and one of Cork’s rising young talents, Oskar Smith.

Producer Ian McGuirk set up his production company, Ian McGuirk productions, with the intention of producing as many classical and traditional theatre pieces as possible.

He has had a long association with the Everyman Theatre Company, most notably under the directorial stewardship of the late Michael Twomey.

Having performed extensively in many of their productions written by writers such as Oscar Wilde, JB Priestley, and John B Keane, he recognises that there is a huge demand amongst Cork audiences to be entertained by timeless pieces.

Present Laughter is considered one of the enduring successes of modern comedic theatre and is a prime example of the sophisticated comedies of Noel Coward, the famed English playwright.

Tickets for the production are on sale now via the Everyman Theatre website at https://everymancork.com from €27, with tickets for groups of 10 or more available from €24.