Curve Theatre Leicester – until 11th October 2025
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
4****
Noël and Gertie invites us into the beautiful and complex world of Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence. Two of Britain’s most iconic figures, they formed a lifelong friendship which was forged in childhood. Lawerence was instrumental in Coward’s career, cited as his mercurial muse and confident. Their professional collaboration took the stage by storm, and this show explores some of their unseen and most tender moments. The show is devised by Sheridan Morley from the writings, songs, letters and diaries of Coward. This rendition finds refreshing emotional resonance under the skilful direction of Thom Southerland.
More than just a musical biography, Noël and Gertie is a carefully crafted love letter to a lifelong friendship and creative partnership. From their first meeting as child actors, Coward and Lawrence share a bond that transcended the stage and we bear witness to the intimacy, humour, and occasional tension that marked their relationship. Focusing on the emotional truth of these legendary personalities, parodies are avoided and we are gifted pitch-perfect performances. Gary Tushaw brings a composed and dry wit to Coward, portraying him as the meticulous and mellifluous playwright with a guarded heart. Rebecca Trehearn sparkles as the vivacious and spirited Gertie, a woman whose energy and ambition matched Coward’s brilliance stride for stride. Together, Tushaw and Trehearn bring an energy to the stage that’s engaging and enthralling, whether sparring with dry one-liners or sharing quiet moments of mutual understanding. They slip seamlessly into scene and song never failing to entertain. Joey Hickman and Michaela Murphy, on twin pianos, provide elegant musical accompaniment throughout. Superbly talented, the two are on hand to add to scenes, play the accordion and ukulele and at one point Hickman was playing two pianos at once. The movement of the pianos proved clunky at times as they were manoeuvred across the stage to set up several scenes but the melodies they provided made up for this.
The show features a host of Coward’s musical gems, including Don’t Put Your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs Worthington, and scenes from Private Lives. There is an incredibly touching rendition of Mad about the Boy where we get a glimpse into Cowards own private life.
Cory Shipp’s set is minimal yet evocative. The stage framed in gilded art deco, silk curtains, the space is illuminated with theatrical flair. Scenes are wonderfully enhanced by Mark Dymock’s lighting design, which shifts mood and tone with understated but incredible precision. Hair and make-up by Lottie Davies and costume and wardrobe by Caroline Hannam and Josie Thomas conjures up the glamour of a bygone era with subtlety and grace.
Witty, wistful and deeply human, in all, Noël and Gertie is a charming and sophisticated evening of theatre. It’s a tribute not only to two beloved stage stars, but to the enduring power of friendship.