A modern twist on Noel Coward's 1942 classic Present Laughter will be taking to the stage at Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre in autumn 2026, with a female lead for the very first time.
Starring Tracy-Ann Oberman – known for her TV roles in Friday Night Dinner, Doctor Who and EastEnders – this new take on the play offers a fresh perspective to an iconic play about celebrity and obsession.
Interestingly, Tracy-Ann recently also recently starred in The Merchant of Venice 1936, in which she also played a female version of lead character Shylock for the first time, too.
What can Cheltenham audiences expect from Present Laughter?
Exploring the pitfalls and temptations of celebrity life, this new production of Present Laughter stars Tracy-Ann as Geri Essendine (originally Gary Essendine), an actress with a devoted fanbase who is due to head out on a tour of Africa.
Geri is overwhelmed by competing would-be lovers including her estranged husband, her long-suffering secretary, and an obsessive playwright named Monty played by James Dreyfus (of Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie fame). As Geri tries to untangle herself from their clutches, organisers say she faces a question: does she really want to?
Promising to be a 'hilarious watch', Present Laughter is directed by Lindsay Posner, straight off the back of his West End successes with Noises Off, A View From the Bridge and The Deep Blue Sea.
When is Present Laughter on stage at the Everyman Theatre?
Present Laughter runs from Tuesday 29 September until Saturday 3 October 2026 at the Everyman Theatre, with shows starting at 7.30pm each evening and afternoon matinee shows starting at 2pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
How to book tickets for Present Laughter at the Everyman Theatre
For more information or to book tickets for Present Laughter, visit everymantheatre.org.uk.
