Noel Coward Headshot

Noel Coward

Date of Death: March 26, 1973 (73)

Birth Place: Teddington, ENGLAND

Get Noel Coward Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Noel Coward BIO

Noel was an English playwright, composer, actor, producer and director. His plays include The Vortex (1924), Hay Fever (1925), Private Lives (1930), Blithe Spirit (1941), Present Laughter (1943) and This Happy Breed (1943). He produced, wrote, starred in and co-directed (with David Lean) the Academy Award-winning film In Which We Serve (1942) as well as writing the screenplay for one of the most beloved British films of all time, Brief Encounter (1945). He wrote many songs now considered classics, including "Mad About the Boy", "Mad Dogs and Englishmen", "I’ll See You Again" and "20th Century Blues" and in 1955 performed a sell-out cabaret season in Las Vegas. His musicals include Bitter Sweet (1929) and Sail Away (1961). As an actor he enjoyed memorable roles onstage in many of his plays as well as on film playing Hawthorne in Our Man In Havana (1959) and Mr Bridger in The Italian Job (1969). He was knighted in 1970.

Noel Coward STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
1958
Garry Essendine

[Broadway]
1957
Sebastien

[Broadway]
1933
Leo

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1931
Elyot Chase

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1928
Performer

[Broadway]
1925
Nicky Lancaster

Noel Coward Productions

 
[West End, 2023]
Writer
 
[West End, 1964]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Director
 
[West End, 1962]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1961]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1958]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1957]
Director
 
[West End, 1950]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1939]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1935]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1934]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1933]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1931]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1929]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1925]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1925]
Director

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Source Material
Source Material
Playwright
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Playwright
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Source Material
Composer/Lyricist
Conceiver
Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Text
Lyricist
Music
Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Playwright
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer

Noel Coward Movies

Forbidden Love
[ 1927 ] writer
The Vortex
[ 1928 ] writer
Bitter Sweet
[ 1933 ] lyrics and music - as Noel Coward
Design for Living
[ 1933 ] writer
Cavalcade
[ 1933 ] writer
Tonight Is Ours
[ 1933 ] writer
The Terrible Lovers
[ 1936 ] writer
We Were Dancing
[ 1942 ] writer
This Happy Breed
[ 1944 ] writer
Brief Encounter
[ 1945 ] writer
Blithe Spirit
[ 1945 ] writer
Our Man in Havana
[ 1959 ] Hawthorne
Bunny Lake Is Missing
[ 1965 ] Horacio Wilson
A Matter of Innocence
[ 1967 ] writer
Boom!
[ 1968 ] The Witch of Capri
Interlude
[ 1968 ] writer
The Italian Job
[ 1969 ] Mr. Bridger
Sidste akt
[ 1987 ] writer
Relative Values
[ 2000 ] writer
Easy Virtue
[ 2008 ] writer
Hay Fever
[ 2021 ] writer

Noel Coward Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1964 - Best Direction of a Musical

Noel Coward , High Spirits

Tony Awards - 1964 - Best Musical

Noel Coward, The Girl Who Came to Supper


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1942 - Best Foreign Play

Noel Coward, Blithe Spirit

Noel Coward Videos

Noel Coward News


Tyler Houchins Brings DOWN A YELLOW BRICK ROAD Home to Philadelphia in May


Philadelphia cabaret performer, Tyler Houchins, has announced a return of his solo performance, Down A Yellow Brick Road, celebrating legendary actress and vocalist Judy Garland, Thursday, May 16 and Wednesday, May 22 at 8:00 p.m at Rosy’s Taco Bar East in South Philadelphia, bringing cabaret back to former site of L’Étage, the cabaret venue which shuttered in 2020.

Review Roundup: What Did the Critics Think of Ian McKellen in PLAYER KINGS?


Bringing together Shakespeare's two great history plays, Player Kings is now open at the Noël Coward Theatre. Ian McKellen plays Falstaff in a new version of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, adapted by the award-winning writer and director Robert Icke. A divided country, leadership crumbling, corruption in the air. 

Review: PLAYER KINGS, Noël Coward Theatre


Ian McKellen is a mesmerizingly athletic Falstaff in Robert Icke's iconoclastic fusion of Henry IV parts 1 and 2

Full Cast Set For the RSC'S THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR


The full cast has been announced for the RSC's forthcoming production of Shakespeare's suburban comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor.  Directed by Blanche McIntyre, the show runs in repertoire in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon between 5 June – 7 September.  

Maia Novi's INVASIVE SPECIES to Have Eight-Week Off-Broadway Engagement


Maia Novi’s outrageously true dark comedy Invasive Species will invade the stage for an Off-Broadway limited engagement at The Vineyard’s Dimson Theater. See performance dates and learn how to purchase tickets.

Jack Wolfe and Richard Southgate Join SPRING AWAKENING Concert


Final casting has been announced and additional tickets have been released for the 15th Anniversary reunion concert of the original West End production of Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s Tony, Olivier and Grammy award-winning musical SPRING AWAKENING, based on the play by Frank Wedekind.  

Charlie Brooks Joins the Cast of the UK Tour of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG


Charlie Brooks will play the role of The Childcatcher in the new production of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. The tour opens at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on Tuesday 30 April 2024 where it plays until 12 May 2024, before embarking on a UK tour.

Review: The Best of Cabaret Celebrated at the 39th Annual BISTRO AWARDS


Monday night was buzzing with anticipation as New York’s cabaret community gathered at Gotham Comedy Club for the 39th Annual Bistro Awards.

Oliver Chris Joins Tamsin Greig In THE DEEP BLUE SEA at Theatre Royal Bath, Further Cast Announced


Oliver Chris will join the previously announced Olivier Award winner Tamsin Greig to play Freddy opposite her portrayal of Hester Collyer in Theatre Royal Bath's production of The Deep Blue Sea, Terence Rattigan's 1950's study of obsession and the destructive power of love. 

Review: A Breathtaking, Poignant Lens Shines On GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY at Straz Center


“Tonight’s story begins and ends at a guesthouse in Duluth, Minnesota, in the winter of 1934.” These were the opening words spoken by Dr. Walker, as he sets the scene. An evening of love, pain, suffering, interloped with a lush score based on the music of Bob Dylan. Girl from the North Country, is a dramatic musical with a book by Conor McPherson (The Weir), and songs with music and lyrics by the great Bob Dylan. The show made its Off-Broadway premiere at the Public Theatre from September 30, 2018- December 22, 2018. This transfer featured an all-American cast and was helmed after the successful run at London’s Old Vic a year prior, and following a limited 12-week run shortly thereafter at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End.

Meet the Cast of PATRIOTS, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway


The Almeida Theatre production of Patriots officially begins previews on Broadway tonight, April 1. Meet the cast of Patriots here!

Cast and Creative Team Set for TWELFTH NIGHT at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre


Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has revealed the full cast for Twelfth Night or What You Will. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

BOYS FROM THE BLACKSTUFF Will Transfer to the West End This June


Graham’s acclaimed adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff will transfer to the West End for a strictly limited eight-week season at the Garrick Theatre, following runs at Liverpool’s Royal Court and the National’s Olivier Theatre. 

MEN ABOUT TOWN Al Hirschfeld Exhibition is Now Live Online


The Al Hirschfeld Foundation as opened its latest online exhibition, 'Men About Town: Al Hirschfeld Draws Noël Coward.'

Ghee, Hewitt & Boggess to Star in MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL at Goodman Theatre


Goodman Theatre has revealed the initial cast for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Further Casting Set For UK Tour Of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG


Elaine C. Smith will play the role of The Childcatcher in the new production of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG opening at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on Tuesday 30 April 2024 where it plays until 12 May 2024, before embarking on a UK tour.

26th Annual OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Miami Unveils Lineup


OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Miami has revealed its 26th annual Miami film line-up. See full programming!

Olivier Award-Winner Katie Brayben and Andrew Rannells Will Lead TAMMY FAYE on Broadway


Initial casting has been announced for the Broadway production of the acclaimed musical TAMMY FAYE. Two-time Olivier Award winner Katie Brayben will recreate her Olivier Award-winning performance as Tammy Faye Bakker, and Tony Award nominee Andrew Rannells will reprise his Olivier-nominated performance as Jim Bakker. TAMMY FAYE will begin preview performances on October 19th and will officially open on November 14th, 2024 at Broadway's Palace Theater. 

Storyhouse Young Announces 2024 Acting Company


Discover the newly announced Storyhouse Young Acting Company. Learn about the talented individuals who will bring fresh energy and creativity to the stage.

Photos: Jeff Harnar Celebrates Cole Porter at Birdland


Birdland presented “It’s De-Lovely: Jeff Harnar Sings Cole Porter” on Monday, March 11. Check out photos from the performance here!

Noel Coward FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Noel Coward been in?

Noel Coward has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.

How many West End shows has Noel Coward been in?

Noel Coward has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Noel Coward been nominated for?

Noel Coward has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He was nominated for Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for his work on "High Spirits." He was also nominated for Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Girl Who Came to Supper." In addition, Coward received a nomination for Best Foreign Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for his play "Blithe Spirit."

What awards has Noel Coward won?

Noel Coward has won the Best Foreign Play award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for his play "Blithe Spirit".

How many shows has Noel Coward written?

Noel Coward has written 50 shows including London Calling (Composer/Lyricist), André Charlot's Revue of 1924 (Composer), On With the Dance (Composer/Lyricist), The Vortex (Playwright), Hay Fever (Playwright), Charlot Revue (Composer), Easy Virtue (Playwright), This Was a Man (Playwright), The Marquise (Playwright), Fallen Angels (Playwright), This Year of Grace (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Murray Anderson's Almanac (Bookwriter), Bitter Sweet (Bookwriter), Private Lives (Playwright), Cochran's 1931 Revue (Composer/Lyricist), Ziegfeld Follies of 1931 (Composer), Cavalcade (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), The Young Idea (Playwright), Words and Music (Sketches/Composer/Lyricist), Conversation Piece (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Point Valaine (Playwright), Tonight at 8:30 (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Operette (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Set to Music (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Sigh No More (Sketches/Composer/Lyricist), Pacific 1860 (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Ace of Clubs (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), After the Ball (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Quadrille (Playwright), Nude With Violin (Playwright), Look After Lulu (Playwright), Sail Away (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), The Girl Who Came to Supper (Composer/Lyricist), High Spirits (Source Material), Noel Coward's Sweet Potato (Composer/Lyricist), Cowardy Custard (Composer/Lyricist), Hay Fever (Playwright), Noel (Composer/Lyricist), Oh Coward! (Composer/Lyricist), Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre (Composer), If Love Were All (Composer/Lyricist), Waiting in the Wings (Playwright), A Suite in Two Keys (Playwright), Design For Living (Playwright), Elaine Stritch At Liberty (Composer), A Marvelous Party (Composer/Lyricist), Blithe Spirit (Playwright), Brief Encounter (Playwright), Volcano (Playwright), The Rat Trap (Playwright).

Get Noel Coward Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos