The Vortex

First produced in 1924, Noel Coward’s The Vortex – revived by Garden Suburb Theatre – depicts the sexual vanity of a rich, ageing beauty, her troubled relationship with her adult son, and drug abuse in British society circles. Directed by longstanding GST member Colin Gregory, The Vortex was Noel Coward’s first commercial success and speedily made him – at the age of 25 – into a highly regarded and commercially successful actor, playwright and singer.

“It’s a play for the 1920s which is very relevant for the 2020s” says Colin. “A vain society beauty having affairs with men her son’s age – is that still taboo in an era in which we are supposed to be moving beyond all forms of discrimination? Drugs? Homosexuality? They are all there.” In 1924 the play had great difficulty getting the approval of the Lord Chamberlain. It glitters with the sharp repartee which Coward does so well and also deals with controversial themes, and it lets us see the bitter truth that underlies the characters’ struggles to come to terms with the emptiness of society after the trauma of the First World War.

In the photo Nicky, played by Michael Reffold, confronts his mother Florence, portrayed by Alice Gill-Carey. The dressing gown worn by Michael has a distinguished history having been worn by former GST President Sir Donald Sinden as Garry Essendine in a West End production of Coward’s ‘Present Laughter’.

• Show: current/future_show
• Society Name: 40274
• Venue Name: King Alfred Phoenix Theatre
• Opening date: 07/04/2022
• Venue Postcode: NW117HY
• Closing date: 09/04/2022
• Region: Greater London
• Credits ( author / playwright ): Noel Coward
• Website: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/gardensuburbtheatre
• Tickets cost per person (£): £16 and £14