The Noel Coward CD Audio Collection Selections

by Noël Coward, Simon Jones (Narrator)

Throughout his life, Noel Coward the master songwriter, 'derived a considerable amount of private pleasure from writing verse.' Much of it is gathered in this first ever CD collection. From moving war-time encounters to satirical barbs at familiar Coward targets and personal reminiscences, this delightful collection is a perfect blend of vintage Noel Coward sure to be enjoyed by faithful fans and new listeners alike.

The collection includes two short stories, Cheap Excursion and The Kindness of Mrs. Radcliffe, and various poems. And from the Caedmon Treasury Sir Noel Coward himself and Margaret Leighton perform Coward's adaptation of his Brief Encounter, scenes from Blithe Spirit and Present Laughter, the interlude from Bernard Shaw's The Apple Cart, concluding with the duo reading more from Coward's Collected Verse.

Performed by Simon Jones

Genres: Audiobook

Audio CD

First published April 1, 2005

About the author

Sir Noël Peirce Coward was an English actor, playwright, and composer of popular music. Among his achievements, he received an Academy Certificate of Merit at the 1943 Academy Awards for "outstanding production achievement for In Which We Serve."

Known for his wit, flamboyance, and personal style, his plays and songs achieved new popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, and his work and style continue to influence popular culture. The former Albery Theatre (originally the New Theatre) in London was renamed the Noël Coward Theatre in his honour in 2006.

Reviews

[Jay French · Rating 2 out of 5]

Coward has a rich voice on parts of this collection. I somewhat enjoyed the short poems, but did not get into the short stories and snippets of stories also included, some narrated by Coward, some by others. I was not able to keep up interest in these stories. Sorry Noel.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Produced by L.A. Theater Works, this audio version included six Noel Coward comedies, acted out by an ensemble including Annette Bening and others. Noel Coward (1899-1973), a prolific English playwright, composer, director, actor, and singer, was known for his witty and sophisticated dialogue. His plays had the feeling tone of a combination of Neil Simon and Tennesee Williams ... and were highly entertaining!