Lovers of Noël Coward may be surprised at James Martin Charlton‘s portrayal of the Master as a man with sex foremost on his mind. Although we still get the dapper dandy possessed of an elegant wit living a glamorous life, the play also presents a man who tells no lie when he describes himself as a ‘pestering queen‘.
The object of Coward’s desire is a young, strikingly handsome actor (coincidentally played by the young, strikingly handsome Josh Taylor) who sees in Coward (Jake Urry) a way to advance his career. But his religious convictions prevent him giving what Coward wants. At least at first. Discreet witness to this this strange affair is Coward’s good and faithful servant Cole Lesley (Peter Stone) who puts aside his own desires in order to serve a man who could give Naomi Campbell a run for her money when it comes to diva-like demands.
Charlton does a great job at capturing the rhythms and lacerating wit of the Master. While the first act is extremely funny, the play pulls off the feat of also exploring the darker side of the 1930s with Britain heading towards a second world war. We find out something about Leonard’s past which gives an added resonance to the play’s title.
Coward is an impressive debut from new company Just Some Theatre. Urry gives an uncannily accurate rendition of the title character. He gives us both the familiar Noel of popular culture whilst also showing the man behind the theatrical mask. Stone is compellingly enigmatic as his employer’s confidante and future biographer. Taylor is charismatic as the angst-ridden yet sexually pliable object of desire.
The playwright obviously knows his subject inside out, and fans of Coward will have a lot of fun spotting the references. Yet far from being a hagiography, the play’s attitude to its protagonist is profoundly ambiguous. Even mulling it afterwards I’m not sure how I feel about Noel and whether his wit and charm compensate for his tendency to exploit the constant supply of eager young actors willing to do anything for a part.
Coward is funny, moving and has an authentic erotic charge. It might not be a flattering portrait of its subject, but it certainly fascinates. And who couldn’t like a play where the act one cliffhanger has Noël Coward demanding of his dashing protege ‘show me your cock‘.
Continues until Saturday 14 at the Marlborough Theatre, Brighton. It will then move to London’s White Bear Theatre for a three-week run starting October 22.
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