Andrew Scott to star in the Old Vic’s new production of Noel Coward’s Present Laughter
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(Updated on 21 Jun 2019)
The [**Old Vic Theatre**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/60/old-vic-theatre.aspx) will be reviving [**Noel Coward**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/108/noel-coward-theatre.aspx)’s semi-autobiographical play, [***Present Laughter***](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/550/present-laughter-tickets.aspx), this summer starring renowned actor **Andrew Scott**.
Coward’s comedy *Present Laughter* follows the story of a successful actor, Garry Essendine (**Scott**), who is suffering a somewhat mid-life crisis following his recent fortieth birthday. Whilst he prepares to embark on a tour of Africa with his latest production, he must confront and pacify both his wife and secretary while facing rumours of extra-marital affairs, the consequences of which could significantly impact both his life and career.
### The cast of *Present Laughter* at The Old Vic
**Andrew Scott**, an Olivier Award-winning actor, returns to the [**Old Vic**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/60/old-vic-theatre.aspx) and is set to lead the new revival of *Present Laughter* as Garry Essendine. At the Olivier’s he received the outstanding achievement in an affiliate theatre award for his performance in *A Girl in a Car with a Man* at the [**Royal Court**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/67/royal-court-theatre.aspx). More recently, he played the title role in *Hamlet* at the **Almeida Theatre**, which later transferred to the[ **Harold Pinter Theatre**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/26/harold-pinter-theatre.aspx). Scott will now return to [**London's** ](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/60/old-vic-theatre.aspx)[**Old Vic Theatre**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/60/old-vic-theatre.aspx), where he appeared last year in the sell-out monologue performance of *Sea Wall* as part of the venue’s 200th-anniversary celebrations with a script written specifically for him by **Simon Stephens**.
Scott is perhaps best known for playing villain James Moriarty opposite **Benedict Cumberbatch** in BBC’s *Sherlock* and can currently be seen on tv screens in **Phoebe Waller-Bridge**’s *Fleabag*.
Also, joining the cast is **Sophie Thompson**, who recently appeared in *The Importance of Being Earnest* as part of the **Oscar Wilde** season at the [**Vaudeville Theatre**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/80/vaudeville-theatre.aspx). **Luke Thallon** who starred in *The Inheritance* at the **Young Vic** will also join the cast alongside **Indira Varma** (*Game of Thrones*) and **Suzie Toase** (*Harry Potter*).
**Old Vic** artistic director **Matthew Warchus** will direct *Present Laughter*, having recently worked on the theatre's latest production of *A Christmas Carol*. He has also previously worked with Scott on the acclaimed film, *Pride,* and on the announcement of the new show, he proclaimed: “I’m delighted to be working with Andrew Scott again, together with what promises to be a cast of outstanding comic actors.”
### The creatives behind the Old Vic *Present Laughter* revival
The creative team for Present Laughter at the Old Vic features sound designer **Simon Baker**, designer **Rob Howell** and lighting designer **Hugh Vanstone**.
### When is *Present Laughter* playing at the Old Vic Theatre?
*Present Laughter* will run from 17 June until 10 August 2019 at the [**West End's **](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/60/old-vic-theatre.aspx)[**Old Vic Theatre**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/60/old-vic-theatre.aspx). Don't miss Noel Coward's famous semi-autobiographical work when it hits the Old Vic this summer! Book your tickets early and ensure the best seats and prices with our safe and secure booking!
🎫 [**Book your *Present Laughter* Old Vic tickets, London from £36 and up**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/550/present-laughter-tickets.aspx).