Star Quality: Aspects of Noël Coward

Star Quality celebrates the life and work of Noël Coward with a range of period photographs, letters and memorabilia spanning his lifetime. Display cases focus on the breadth of Coward’s talent as a composer, songwriter and cabaret artist, film star, script writer and painter. Perhaps most of all Star Quality highlights his gift for making lifelong friends, with special features on his relationship with Laurence Olivier and with theatre historians Raymond Mander and Joe Mitchenson to whom he gave many personal items including an iconic silk dressing gown, now exhibited for the first time.

Performances of Coward’s plays at the National are featured; especially the star-studded production of Hay Fever in 1964, and the recent revival of Present Laughter is celebrated with a display of atmospheric period photographs, original set designs and memorabilia relating to the London premiere in 1943.

The exhibition also marks the publication of The Letters of Noël Coward, edited by Barry Day, and includes extracts from a selection of entertaining and informative letters from leading actors, authors, politicians and other celebrities of his day.

www.noelcoward.com

Star Quality is supported by
The Noël Coward Foundation
 Samuel French Ltd
Methuen Drama
Ten Chimneys Foundation
Warner/Chappell Music Ltd

Star Quality: Aspects of Noël Coward finished on: 29 March 2008