Present Laughter -TNT

Alex Jennings is perfect in Howard Davies' amusing revival of Noel Coward's comedy — and it's not his fault he's got more hair than the follicly-challenged playwright who created the semi-autobiographical role of matinee idol Gary Essendine. Nor can he be blamed for the fact that, more than 60 years since its premiere, audience patience with this lengthy account of a spoilt existence is likely to wear pretty thin, too. Wafting about in many dressing gowns, Jennings gives an eye-catching central performance, Sara Stewart is suitably businesslike as his ex (but still friendly) wife, and Sarah Woodward maximises the laughs as his purse-lipped, fond, down-to-earth secretary who doesn't bat an eyelid as yet another female admirer emerges from his over-used spare room.
Lyttelton at the National, South Bank, SE1 (020-7452 3000). Until January 9. £10- £39.50