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The Noel Coward BBC Radio Drama Collection

By: Noel Coward
Narrated by: Alex Jennings, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, full cast, Harriet Walters, Helena Bonham-Carter, Judi Dench, Roger Allam
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Publisher's Summary

Seven BBC radio full-cast productions of Noël Coward’s classic plays – plus bonus material including a profile of Coward and extracts from his diaries

Renowned for his wit, style and sophistication, Noël Coward was one of the greatest playwrights of the twentieth century. His plays, set in the glittering world of high society in which he lived, are much admired and have remained in the popular theatre repertoire to this day.

This collection brings together the very best radio adaptations of Coward’s works, encompassing sparkling comedies of manners Private Lives and Hay Fever, farcical ghost story Blithe Spirit, and daring ménage à trois drama Design for Living. Here, too, is his controversial first hit The Vortex; the poignant Still Life (the inspiration for the film Brief Encounter); and the semi-autobiographical Present Laughter.

Among the star-studded cast are Helena Bonham-Carter, Bill Nighy, Judi Dench, Celia Imrie, Roger Allam, Harriet Walter, Paul Rhys, Stephanie Cole and Paul Scofield.

Also included is a BBC World Service profile of Noël Coward, comprising interviews, musical extracts and archive clips; and the BBC Radio 4 programme ‘From His Diaries’, featuring a selection of passages from Coward’s journal read by Simon Cadell.

©2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

What listeners say about The Noel Coward BBC Radio Drama Collection

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Sublime!

Just a fantastic listen and wonderful dialogue that has such a strong nostalgic vibe. If you want to get to know Noel Coward and his best plays then start here.

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A Revelation

It was probably a mistake to listen to all seven productions, one after another. While Noel Coward has a very particular - and mostly enjoyable - playwrighting style this series illustrates his weaknesses and the repetitive nature of many of the plotlines. They reveal a society which is based largely on marital infidelity and deception and to some extent explains a lot about the man himself.

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Superb. Excellent performances.

I laughed and cried and marvelled at the timeless genius that is Noel Coward. Fabulously characterised and brilliantly wrought by stellar casts. Well done audible in bringing such high quality entertainment to your subscribers. Please bring us Pomp and Circumstance now too!

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