Star Quality

"Star Quality" is the last play written by Noel Coward and is presented on one of the Noel Coward collection discs. The play stars Ian Richardson, Susannah York, Peter Chelsom, David Yelland, and Pam Ferris.

The story concerns the production of a play by a new playwright, Bryan Snow. The director is Ray Malcolm (Ian Richardson), and the star is to be a famous actress, Lorraine Barry (York). While she puts on a good act when Bryan meets her, in fact she's a demanding bitch. She will have to be "handled" by the director. Bryan finds it all very strange, the way these theatrical people talk to one another and the mind games they play.

Ian Richardson, a perfect actor for Coward's work, is magnificent and is the best thing about this light play, though everyone else is excellent, particularly David Yelland as his protégé Tony.

Very well done.