“Masquerade” depicts the darkness behind Noel Coward’s frivolity
The playwright and performer was a more serious artist than even he cared to acknowledge
Noel Coward made his acting debut on the London stage in 1911 at the tender age of 11. The production—an underwater-themed Edwardian fantasia—was not auspicious. The young actor’s doltish lines included “Crumbs, how exciting!” All the same, he tried to play the minor part of court jester with such conviction that everyone in the theatre might recognise his talent. He already seemed set on a starring role. Asked once what he wanted to be when he grew up, he replied, with great seriousness, “a success”.
This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “The world’s a stage”
Culture April 1st 2023
From the April 1st 2023 edition
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