Coward Plays 3 by Noel Coward

Description

“Coward Plays 3” is a collection of plays by the renowned English playwright, composer, and actor Noël Coward. This volume includes four of Coward’s works: “Design for Living,” “Cavalcade,” “Conversation Piece,” and “Tonight at 8:30 (i).” Here’s a brief overview of each play:

1. “Design for Living” (1932): This comedic play follows the intertwined lives and romantic entanglements of three characters: Gilda, Otto, and Leo. The trio of friends navigates a complex relationship as they struggle with their love for one another while trying to pursue their individual artistic ambitions.
2. “Cavalcade” (1931): “Cavalcade” is a historical drama that spans several decades, from the eve of the 20th century to the end of World War I. The play provides a sweeping view of British society and its changes during this tumultuous period, focusing on the lives of two families, the Marryots and the Bridges.
3. “Conversation Piece” (1934): In this comedy, an eccentric inventor named William Cheshire invites a group of people to his home. The play humorously explores the interactions and dynamics among the guests as they navigate various misunderstandings and romantic tensions.
4. “Tonight at 8:30 (i)”: The “Tonight at 8:30” series consists of ten one-act plays, each presenting a different story and set of characters. The specific play in this collection may vary, as the series includes works like “Still Life” (which was later adapted into the film “Brief Encounter”), “We Were Dancing,” “The Astonished Heart,” and others. These plays offer a mix of humor, romance, and drama.

Noël Coward is known for his wit, sophisticated humor, and exploration of social and interpersonal relationships. The plays in “Coward Plays 3” showcase his versatility as a playwright and his ability to capture the nuances of human behavior and emotions. They provide a glimpse into different aspects of Coward’s work, from light-hearted comedies to thought-provoking dramas.