Present Laughter

Present Laughter tickets in York

Tracy-Ann Oberman stars as Geri Essendine in this new production of Noël Coward's Present Laughter at Grand Opera House York, directed by Lindsay Posner. The comedy follows a celebrated actress besieged by would-be lovers, a long-suffering secretary, an estranged husband and an obsessed young playwright, all as she attempts to depart for a tour of Africa.

The play and this production

Geri Essendine has, by general agreement, been 39 for the best part of a decade. Her wit, charm and magnetic personality have gathered around her a devoted following and a relentless entourage of friends, acquaintances and hangers-on. Coward's comedy draws its energy from her efforts to disentangle herself from would-be lovers and incessant demands while trying to leave for Africa.

Tracy-Ann Oberman, familiar to television audiences from EastEnders, Doctor Who and Friday Night Dinner, takes the lead role following her widely praised stage performance in The Merchant of Venice 1936. James Dreyfus, known for the sitcoms Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and The Thin Blue Line and as Reverend Roger Jones in Mount Pleasant, joins the cast; his stage credits include Cabaret and The Producers.

Lindsay Posner directs, having recently brought Felicity Kendal to Noises Off, Dominic West to A View From the Bridge, and Tamsin Greig to The Deep Blue Sea, all in the West End. The production is funded by the UK Government and supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Audience considerations

Grand Opera House York lists an age guidance of 14 and above for this production. No running time is given in the available information, so it is worth contacting the venue directly if duration is relevant to your plans.

Dates, venues and booking links

These are the dates listed by ATG as checked on 21 September 2026. A date range may contain selected performances, rather than a show every day. Open your chosen venue link for exact times, seats and current prices.

Choosing your tickets

Start with the venue and date that suit your trip, then compare the seats offered by ATG. Check the final total, any restricted-view information and the ticket conditions before paying. Availability and prices can change; the listed run dates do not guarantee seats for every performance.

Plan your theatre visit

Our venue guides cover getting there, seating and access information: Grand Opera House, York. If you need accessible seating or an assisted performance, check the arrangements for that venue and date with ATG before booking.

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