The Vortex

Summary: 1960 BBC production of The Vortex by Noël 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: Sunday 1 May 1960
Time: 8.20-9.35pm
Series: Twentieth Century Theatre
Channel: BBC Television
Production company: BBC

Producer

Harold Clayton

Playwright

Noël Coward (1899-1973)

Designer

Barry Learoyd

Costume Supervisor

Sheila Glassford

Make-up Supervisor

Shirley Peck

Cast

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British Universities Film & Video Council