Tracy-Ann Oberman stars in Noël Coward’s Present Laughter at Theatre Royal Bath

Tracy-Ann Oberman returns to the stage in a new production of Noël Coward’s classic comedy Present Laughter, coming to Theatre Royal Bath this August.

Running from Thursday 27 August to Saturday 5 September, the production sees Oberman take on the role of Geri Essendine in a new interpretation of Coward’s comedy about theatrical celebrity, relationships and the complications that come with success.

Geri is a hugely successful actress whose personality, wit and charm have earned her devoted fans and an equally devoted collection of friends, acquaintances and hangers-on.

As she prepares to leave for a tour of Australia, she finds herself surrounded by would-be lovers, alongside her long-suffering secretary, estranged husband and an obsessed young playwright.

Oberman returns to the stage following her acclaimed performance as the first female Shylock in The Merchant of Venice 1936.

She is joined by James Dreyfus, known for television roles including Gimme Gimme Gimme and The Thin Blue Line, and Adrian Lukis, whose credits include The Bill, Judge John Deed and the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

The cast also features Richenda Carey, Seb Carrington, Eva Feiler, Gabriella Foley, Charlotte Randle, Jonathan Tafler, Perry Williams and Kit Young.

The production is directed by Lindsay Posner, whose recent West End work includes Noises Off, A View From the Bridge and The Deep Blue Sea.

Present Laughter runs at Theatre Royal Bath from Thursday 27 August until Saturday 5 September, with evening performances at 7.30pm and matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm.

An audio-described performance will take place on Saturday 5 September at 2.30pm.