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The Noel Coward BBC Radio Drama Collection

By: Noel Coward
Narrated by: Alex Jennings, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, full cast, Harriet Walters, Helena Bonham-Carter, Judi Dench, Roger Allam
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Summary

Seven BBC radio full-cast productions of Noël Coward’s classic plays – plus bonus material including a profile of Coward and extracts from his diaries

Renowned for his wit, style and sophistication, Noël Coward was one of the greatest playwrights of the twentieth century. His plays, set in the glittering world of high society in which he lived, are much admired and have remained in the popular theatre repertoire to this day.

This collection brings together the very best radio adaptations of Coward’s works, encompassing sparkling comedies of manners Private Lives and Hay Fever, farcical ghost story Blithe Spirit, and daring ménage à trois drama Design for Living. Here, too, is his controversial first hit The Vortex; the poignant Still Life (the inspiration for the film Brief Encounter); and the semi-autobiographical Present Laughter.

Among the star-studded cast are Helena Bonham-Carter, Bill Nighy, Judi Dench, Celia Imrie, Roger Allam, Harriet Walter, Paul Rhys, Stephanie Cole and Paul Scofield.

Also included is a BBC World Service profile of Noël Coward, comprising interviews, musical extracts and archive clips; and the BBC Radio 4 programme ‘From His Diaries’, featuring a selection of passages from Coward’s journal read by Simon Cadell.

©2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
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What listeners say about The Noel Coward BBC Radio Drama Collection

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Wonderful

I have thoroughly enjoyed these plays of Noel Coward, I know I will listen to them often

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  • Overall
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Delicious writing.

Noel Coward delivers brilliant writing and delicious use of the English language. The excellent cast bring the dialogue to life in these classic plays and comedies. The profile and diaries add insights into his career, personal life, and inner thoughts. I sense he was a generous but complex man, who could be both charming and cutting at the same time. One of the greats..

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  • Overall
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Wonderful cast and great plays

The cast really bring the plots to life you feel like your in the room with them.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant....

This is sublime - as an actor it must be so much fun bringing Noel Coward to life.

Would have loved to have seen Burton and Taylor do Private Lives....

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1 person found this helpful

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Great plays, poor technical production

I struggled to hear this because the sound level was so low.. Every time a lorry went past I had to rewind and catch up. I have never had this before and it doesn`t happen with other books etc.

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11 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Genius

The best of Noel Coward, warm, sharp and witty with enormous amounts of humour and twists that leave you turning around after them.

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Wonderfully witty and entertaining plays

Loved the plays, especially private lives and blithe spirit. The narration of this collection of plays were very entertaining. I especially enjoyed the narration of Noel’s diaries and reflections from those who knew him best.

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1 person found this helpful

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Fantastic

These are just brilliant. I listen over and over. Fabulous cast, excellent plays (of course) - these are very good listens and can be re-played as often as you like, Don't need to be surprised by shock endings. So entertaining. Definitely something I would go to the theatre to watch once lockdown is over, but it also recalls previous theatre evenings, sigh!
Fabulous.

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First rate

An excellent selection of plays, all brilliantly acted. This was thoroughly enjoyable and the diary extracts were a fascinating addition.

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Personally, I thought it was terrific

As a resource for improving and refining the language one uses on a daily basis, I thought these plays were wonderful. They won't keep you on the edge of your seat, but as far as artistic expression in the English language goes, they are delightful.

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5 people found this helpful