The Vortex

Noel Coward lifts the lid on the lives of the country house set.

Starring Elizabeth Sellars, Martin Jarvis and Sarah Lawson.

First performed in 1924 at London's Everyman Theatre, Hampstead, this play rocketed Noel Coward to prominence as both actor and writer.

"There is an imprint of truth upon this play. The craftmanship is beyond reproach, the dialogue is taut and spare... and shimmering with wit.
(James Agate, Sunday Times, November, 1924)

The action takes place in Mrs Lancaster's flat in London, and at her house in the country.

Preston .... Madi Hedd
Helen Saville .... Sarah Lawson
Pauncefort Quentin .... Gerald Cross
Clara Hibbert .... Gudrun Ure
Florence Lancaster .... Elizabeth Sellars
Tom Veryan .... Timothy Dalton
Nicky Lancaster .... Martin Jarvis
David Lancaster .... Peter Williams
Bunty Mainwaring .... Kate Coleridge
Bruce Fairlight .... Peter Woodthorpe

Piano played by William Davies

Director: Glyn Dearman

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1975.

**** BBC Radio 4 Extra's collection marking the 125th anniversary of Noel Coward's birth ****