The private lives of Noël and Gertie

Noël Coward was a playwright, composer, and director. Gertrude Lawrence was an actress, singer, and dancer. Together, these two icons epitomised an era of elegance and style.

Noël and Gertie, a musical revue that spans nearly 40 years of their professional and personal relationship, was written by Sheridan Morley (Coward's godson and biographer), who based it on Coward's diaries and letters to Lawrence. It plays out as a biography and features extracts from some of Coward's plays, as well as a host of the songs that made the two stars of the West End and Broadway.

Great chemistry

Directed by Alan Swerdlow, this production stars Taryn Sudding and Jonathan Roxmouth (Fleur du Cap winner for Phantom of the Opera and now Fleur du Cap nominee for Topsy Turvy). (Stefan Lombard accompanies on piano.) The two have such great chemistry together and are quite charming as they act, sing, and even dance. All in all, with some parts serious and some parts fun, this is a beautiful telling of a beautiful story and a fine tribute to a fine time.

Noël and Gertie is at Cape Town's Theatre on the Bay until 9 March. Tickets are available from Computicket.