Photos: Tracy-Ann Oberman and More Rehearse PRESENT LAUGHTER

The new production reimagines Noël Coward's comedy with Oberman becoming the first woman to play the central role of Essendine.

By: A.A. Cristi Aug. 17, 2026

Rehearsal photos have been released for Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Augusta Productions’ Present Laughter, Noël Coward’s celebrated and hilarious portrayal of the temptations and pitfalls of theatrical celebrity, which will play Theatre Royal Bath from Thursday 27 August to Saturday 5 September 2026, prior to a national tour.

This new version is reimagined by actress, playwright and columnist Tracy-Ann Oberman whose many credits include notable roles in EastEnders, Friday Night Dinner, as well as work with Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre. She will star as Geri Essendine, the first time that the character has been played by a female lead, having been originated on stage by Noël Coward himself and is traditionally played as Garry Essendine.

This production marks the second time that Oberman has revisited classic texts and taken on the greatest of male roles, following her highly acclaimed performance as Shylock in The Merchant of Venice 1936.

James Dreyfus will play Monty. Dreyfus is known for major roles in television sitcoms Gimme Gimme Gimme and The Thin Blue Line, as well as Mount Pleasant, more recently. He won the 1998 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Performance in a musical for Lady in the Dark at The National Theatre with other notable stage roles including The Producers and Cabaret.

Adrian Lukis will play Len. Screen credits include Pride and Prejudice, The Crown, Judge John Deed, Peak Practice, and Black Mirror. His theatre work includes The Price in the West End, Orson’s Shadow at Southwark Playhouse, Being Mr Wickham—which he co-wrote and has performed in London, New York, and on tour—and The Holy Rosenbergs at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

They will be joined by Richenda Carey as Lady Saltburn, Seb Carrington as David Stillington, Eva Feiler as Rosina Maule, Gabriella Foley as Miss Erikson, Charlotte Randle as Henrietta, Jonathan Tafler as Morris, Perry Williams as Fred and Kit Young as Johannes.

Geri Essendine is a hugely successful actress who has been 39 for the best part of a decade. Her personality, wit and charm have earned her a legion of devoted fans, young and old, and a coterie of friends, acquaintances and hangers-on. Just as she is about to depart for a tour of Africa, Geri finds herself besieged by a bevvy of would-be lovers, not to mention her long-suffering secretary, estranged husband and an obsessed young playwright. Will she ever disentangle herself from their tightening clutches and incessant demands? And deep down, does she really want to…?

Present Laughter is Directed by Lindsay Posner, following recent West End triumphs of Noises Off starring Felicity Kendal, A View From the Bridge starring Dominic West and The Deep Bue Sea starring Tamsin Greig. He is joined by Set and Costume Designer Peter McKintosh, Lighting Designer Richard Howell, Composer and Sound Designer Adam Cork and Casting Director Ginny Schiller CDG.

TOUR STOPS

Theatre Royal Bath

Thursday 27 August – Saturday 5 September 2026
Press Night - Wednesday 2 September 7pm
theatreroyal.org.uk

Cambridge Arts Theatre

Tuesday 8 September – Saturday 12 September 2026
artstheatre.co.uk

Malvern Theatre

Tuesday 15 September – Saturday 19 September 2026
malvern-theatres.co.uk

Richmond Theatre

Tuesday 22 September – Saturday 26 September 2026
atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/

Cheltenham Everyman

Tuesday 29 September – Saturday 3 October 2026
everymantheatre.org.uk

Grand Opera House, York

Tuesday 6 October – Saturday 10 October 2026
atgtickets.com/shows/present-laughter/grand-opera-house-york/
Lighthouse Poole
Tuesday 13 October – Saturday 17 October 2026
lighthousepoole.co.uk

Liverpool Playhouse

Tuesday 20 October – Saturday 24 October 2026
everymanplayhouse.com