Two Events! December Play Reading (7 Dec) and Party (9 Dec)

This year we will read Present Laughter by Noël Coward.

Coward wrote: “Present Laughter is a very light comedy and was written with the sensible object of providing me with a bravura part”. He wrote it in 1939 but it was 3 years later that it was first staged.

The play’s title comes from a song in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, which urges carpe diem (“present mirth hath present laughter”). The present should be read as ‘now, at this time’, rather than ‘to give’.

The plot follows a few days in the life of the successful and self-obsessed light comedy actor Garry Essendine as he prepares to travel for a touring commitment in Africa. Amid a series of events bordering on farce, Garry has to deal with women who want to seduce him, placate both his long-suffering secretary and his estranged wife, cope with a crazed young playwright, and overcome his impending mid-life crisis (since he has recently turned forty). The story was described by Coward as “a series of semi-autobiographical pyrotechnics”.

Coward starred as Garry Essendine in the original run.

If you would like to come along please can you sign up on the Doodle:http://doodle.com/poll/agsxk5wtqftp5nqe

In theory Janet will be ‘leading’ the play, but would be very happy if someone else were to offer to do so as she is going away for a few days the next day. She has already prepared the reading grid, which shows you when to change readers!

Mary will provide mulled wine: but she would appreciate a contribution of mince pies. Perhaps you could leave a note on the doodle if you are planning on bringing mince pies, so that we don’t get too many! Other nibbles and wine and soft drinks will also be appreciated! If you can’t use the Doodle, please email Janet at ecco@ecc.theatreinbrussels.com or ring Mary (she loves getting your calls) on 02 345 8583.

Also – don’t forget …

ECC PARTY – Friday 9th December – 8pm
The Bar Room
The Warehouse, Rue Waelhem 69a, 1030 Brussels

OUR THANK YOU to everyone who has helped and supported us this year, with special thanks go to everyone who helped out with FEATS 2016.

To register that you will be joining us, click Here: http://doodle.com/poll/kzng9mmghcbhan5a