Director's Notes

Noel Coward virtually invented the concept of Englishness for the 20th Century. An astounding polymath--dramatist, actor, writer, composer, lyricist, painter and wit--he was defined by his Englishness as much as he defined it. He was indeed the first Brit Pop star, the first ambassador of "cool Britannia." Even before his 1924 drugs-and-sex scandal of The Vortex, his fans were hanging out of their scarves over the theatre balcony, imitating their idol's dress, and repeating each "Noelism" with glee. Born in suburban Teddington on 16 December, 1899, Coward was onstage by the age of six, and writing his first drama ten years later. A visit to New York in 1921 infused him with the pace of Broadway shows, and he injected its speed into staid British drama and music to create high-octane rush for the jazz-mad, dance-crazy 20's. Coward's style was imitated everywhere, as quite normal Englishmen donned dressing gowns, stuck cigarettes in long holders and called each other "darling." Private Lives marked the highlight of his career in the theatre. It has been recognized by many as one of the ten most important plays of the 20th Century.