12 Noël Coward Waiting In The Wings

Noël Coward

(5 stars; 1 review)

Waiting in the Wings is a moving and amusing play by Noël Coward, set in a charitable retirement home for actresses in 1960. The story revolves around two rival stars, Lotta Bainbridge and May Davenport, who find themselves living together, leading to inevitable trouble. With the inquisitive press and a cast of quirky characters, the play explores themes of aging, rivalry, and the complexities of life in a retirement home.

The play premiered in 1960 and is Coward's fiftieth work. It features a fund-raising show that backfires when a scathing article is published, yet a cheque from the newspaper softens the blow. The poignant final scene between Lotta and her son reveals the decades-old animosity between the two main actresses, showcasing Coward's trademark blend of comedy and pathos.

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.