The Vortex

Summary: 1964 Granada production for ITV of The Vortex by Noël Coward, presented in the four-play series A Choice of Coward.
Theatre play: The Vortex by Noël Coward (1899-1973) [more information]
Play synopsis: 'The story is about a nymphomaniac socialite and her cocaine-addicted son [...]. Some saw the drugs as a mask for homosexuality, while Kenneth Tynan later described it as "a jeremiad against narcotics with dialogue that sounds today not so much stilted as high-heeled." ' Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vortex.
Production history: 'It was first performed in 1924 at the Everyman Theatre, Hampstead in north London. Leading London managements had wished to stage the play, but had not wanted Coward to play the juvenile lead, Nicky. As one of Coward’s principal objects in writing the play had been to give himself "a first-rate opportunity for dramatic acting" he produced the play himself on borrowed money, and cast himself as Nicky.' Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vortex.
Date of transmission: Monday 24 August 1964
Time: 9.10-10.30pm
Series: Choice of Coward
Channel: ITV
Production company: Granada Television (1956-)

Director

Joan Kemp-Welch (1906-1999)

Playwright

Noël Coward (1899-1973)

Adapted for Television by

Gerald Savory (1909-1996)

Designer

Peter Phillips

Cast

Title: A Choice of Coward: Present Laughter, Blithe Spirit, The Vortex, Design for Living
Notes: Published by Network in 2010

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