STAGE REVIEW: Present Laughter - at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, from Monday, August 15 to Saturday, August 20, 2016.

IT would be wrong to attempt to read too much into this Noel Coward comedy. Far, far better to view it as frivolous fun and there’s plenty of that to suit most tastes.

It was apparently written for himself, somewhat bordering on self-portraiture, and he was in the starring role when it first opened at London’s Haymarket back in 1943.

Some 70 years later it’s light still hasn’t dimmed even though it is theatre of a bygone era.

Coward’s work continues to have a charm and appeal, and because many of his offerings are slick and witty they tend to travel well over time and this is unquestionably one that does.

This certainly rings true if the cast take on board the very essence of the fun he is trying to impart to his audiences and my, they do gel well and clearly enjoy the occasion.

Here Samuel West is very much at home in the part of middle-aged lothario Gary Essendine, a romantic comedy star of the 1930s West End stage. West looks as comfortable in the part as he does in any of the several silk dressing gowns available to him, flaunting his way around sticky romantic situations with the help of his wife and his secretary!

Everything revolves around Gary, who feels time is passing him by as he hits 40, but who needs little compunction about reminding those close to him - his manager and producer, as well as ‘wife’ and secretary, that he is the man who puts food and drink on their tables.

But he’s a loveable cad for all that and West ensures many of Coward’s funnier musings are delivered with perfect comic timing, and he’s ably assisted by the delightful Phyllis Logan, who won so many admirers in Downton Abbey, who proves his sarcastic equal in her role as his battle-hardened secretary Monica.

Others who impress are Rebecca Johnson as Gary’s controlling but estranged wife Liz, and Zoe Boyle, as the ‘bit of a madam’ Joanna, the temptress who has her sights set on Gary while still being married to his producer.

A host of quality on view including Patrick Walshe McBride’s bizarre Roland - a manic, gangling idealistic playwright from Uckfield - a la Mr Bean - who is totally besotted by Gary’s stage persona.

It’s all played out on Simon Higlett’s classy set - complete with spiral metal staircase, a large leather sofa and a piano, and director Stephen Unwin ensures the offering as a whole is polished to near perfection.

It’s a classic production and classic Coward, and overall it was warmly appreciated by a near full house at the Festival.