Celebrate Coward’s life and work with a host of stars in A Marvellous Party

We hope you can join us for A Marvellous Party on Sunday 17 November 2024 at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre.

Stars including Hugh Bonneville, Gyles Brandreth, Judi Dench, Lindsay Duncan, Cush Jumbo, Robert Lindsay, Damian Lewis, Hilton McRae and Giles Terera will gather in a charity gala performance to celebrate the enduring legacy of Sir Noël Coward.

Youth groups and bursary recipients, who have been supported by the Noël Coward Foundation over the years, will be participating making this a truly inter-generational event.

Directed by Daniel Evans (Co-Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company) with more stars to be announced, the gala will feature excepts, including previously unseen material, from Coward’s plays, sketches and songs, as well as celebrating his famous wit, star friendships and exquisite style. Musical direction will be by Tom Brady (Musical Director Guys & Dolls, The Bridge Theatre).

The performance marks the culmination of Coward 125, the two-year long celebration of Noël Coward’s life and work, leading up to the 125th anniversary of Coward’s birth.

Following Coward’s lifelong support of philanthropic causes, the gala will be in aid of three charities:, The Queen’s Reading Room, the Noël Coward Foundation and Acting For Others. These outstanding organisations are all united with Noël in the belief that the arts belong to everyone.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with The Queen’s Reading Room and Acting For Others, two charities that would be very close to Noël Coward’s heart,” said Alan Brodie, chair of the Noël Coward Foundation.

“Philanthropy and support of those in need was central to Coward’s philosophy and the Foundation is honoured to continue that legacy by supporting these exceptional charities.”

The Queen’s Reading Room is the charity working to celebrate and promote the power and benefits of reading and was formed from HM Queen Camilla’s book club, which was launched in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Queen’s Reading Room produces accessible free educational content around literature 365 days a year through their social channels and website: in addition to literary festivals and events; research and campaigns.

Vicki Perrin, Chief Executive of The Queen’s Reading Room said, “Noël Coward was not only one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, but he was a life-long reader who, just like us, believed wholeheartedly in the transformative power of books.”

“His work stirred an immense cultural impact and his exceptional legacy lives on in the many educational and development projects undertaken by the Noël Coward Foundation.”

Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all those working in theatrical professions in times of need through the 14 member charities.

“As well as his talents as a writer of songs and plays, and as a performer, Noël Coward was also concerned with less fortunate members of his profession and joined Richard Attenborough and Lawrence Olivier to create the Combined Theatrical Charities Appeals Council to raise funds for theatre welfare and co-ordinate the activities of charities working to that same purpose,” said Stephen Waley-Cohen, co-Chairman of Acting For Others.

The Prince of Wales Theatre has generously been provided by Sir Cameron Mackintosh. All performers appear subject to availability.

A Marvellous Party is produced by Julian Bird for Green Rooms Ents.

To book please go to delfontmackintosh.co.uk, or call the Box Office 0344 842 5151. For access bookings please call 0344 482 5137.