This choice theatrical memoir is a particular pleasure in the newly released Noel Coward DVD album - in the same genre as 'Hay Fever' and 'Present Laughter' but, perhaps, a little closer to the real theatre of the middle 20th century. Peter Chelsom is nigh perfect as the daunted author of a new play starring stormy, seductive, spankable Susannah York as a grade-A bitch of a leading actress and directed by a magnificently witty, sardonic Ian Richardson: but all are eclipsed by that sly scene-stealer David Yelland as Richardson's deliciously camp and perceptive catamite Tony. The other roles - Pam Ferris as York's slave and David Swift as the producer are near to caricature,but by the end I was taking it seriously enough to be quite moved. Bravo, Master!
Review of Star Quality
