Behind the Curtain | Noël Coward’s Present Laughter | Broadway's Best | Great Performances on PBS

Go behind the curtain of Noël Coward’s Present Laughter with Director Moritz Von Stuelpnagel, Executive Producer Jordan Roth and cast members Cobie Smulders and Kate Burton.

STREAM UNTIL NOVEMBER 2

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[MrDavey]

The problem is that the English style of acting is in the veins of the English. Americans can’t replicate it as it’s not in theirs.

[merriem]

I guess it’s good that I didn’t see the one before because I thought this was wonderful

[sharonazar]

Only Donald Sinden can play Gary Essendine..no one else!!

[Tadzio]

I saw this production on Broadway and left at intermission. The entire thing felt dead, frozen in aspic. Great actors very funny text but it felt like a museum piece. Search for the Donald Sniden version. looking forward to seeing Andrew Scott's on NTLive.

[steviem]

To be honest, if these clips are anything to go by, I much prefer Donald Sinden (the master of farce) and the 1981 London cast.

[margaretopie-smith]

Oh dear no, sorry, , the rhythm is all wrong, the emphasis is on the actors “being funny” and “playing a part” instead of letting the script speak for itself. Look at the Sinden/Sheridan/Watford version and see how Coward should be played.

[dantean]

Painful when compared to the Donald Sinden version. And Kline's my FAVORITE American comedic actor. Ah, well.

[JCScowling]

I love Kevin Kline, but I prefer Donald Sinden.

[robt]

They should probably have done Peer Gynt instead

[steviem]

Why is it that anything Americans try to copy is always overdone. Wouldn't it be easier to have a Completely British cast to play this. after all, mericn actors are often seen on the English Stage.