Nol Coward's Star quality - Christopher Luscombe

Coward's 'forgotten' play, published to tie in with its world premiere

Inhis wickedly funny final play, NeI Coward takes us behind the scenesof a new West End production. Conjuring up an authentic backstage worldof talent and treachery, Coward creates a gallery of unforgettablecharacters; temperamental leading lady, ruthless director, jaded oldtroupers and, caught somewhere between them all, innocent youngplaywright. From tentative first rehearsal to triumphant opening night,the clash of egos becomes increasingly and hilariously bloody. But whatemerges from the mayhem is a startling evocation of that most elusivegift of all - star quality.

This edition, adapted by ChrisLuscombe and introduced by Sheridan Morley, is published to coincidewith the play's West End premiere in October 2001.