Stories from the life and work of Noël Coward, featuring unique glimpses into the Archive Trust’s collection alongside contributions from experts.
The Co-Optimists and Co-Coward
Robert Hazle investigates the ‘Co-Connection’ between ‘Co-Coward’and The Co-Optimists theatre troupe
Women’s History Month
Spotlight on Lila Field, Doris Joel and Lady Wyndham. Three women instrumental in Coward’s early success.
‘The Vortex’ cast visit the Coward Archive
The cast of ‘The Vortex’ visit the Coward Room & Library to learn more about the play that launched him to fame and fortune.
Coward’s Favourite Author
On March 26th, we commemorate the death of Noël Coward while in Jamaica. This year we’re looking at the book he was reading the night he died…
The Young Idea
One of Coward’s early plays risks upsetting the biggest playwright of the day…
Geoffrey Johnson, in his own words
On the day of his funeral, we share a fascinating interview Geoffrey gave about his time working as Coward’s US representative.
The Cowards at Home: Census 1921
With the release of Census 1921, we meet the Coward family and residents of 111 Ebury Street…
Coward in ‘Stars & Spies’
GUEST POST: Dr Julius Green on Coward’s life as a spy as featured in his new book ‘Stars & Spies’.
Work of the Month: Brief Encounter
A deeper look at the character of Laura Jesson to celebrate the 76th anniversary of Brief Encounter.
Object of the Month: Merle Oberon’s Slippers
Warming up for Christmas with this gift from film star Merle Oberon…
Object of the Month: ‘I’m a Spy’
“I’m A Spy”, Coward wrote. A surprise confession? Find out…
Bobby Short: Mad About Noël Coward
GUEST POST: Leon Nock finds surprising choices in Bobby Short’s album ‘Mad About Noel Coward’…
Work of the Month: The Rat Trap
On the 4th October, Coward’s first full-length play ‘The Rap Trap’ received a rare performance at the Guildhall Art Gallery…
National Poetry Day: ‘The Boy Actor’
Celebrate National Poetry Day with Coward’s most enduring poem, performed by Sir Derek Jacobi
Work Of The Month: Present Laughter
Who cancelled the original production of Present Laughter and why? Where did Coward disappear to during rehearsals? And what inspired the play’s title? To find out, read on…
Object Of The Month: Elaine Stritch’s Cigarette Case
Two examples of an iconic part of Coward’s style and the stories they contain…
Coward & British Identity
GUEST POST: Alyssa Sharp (FSU Student, International Affairs, ’22) on the links between Coward’s writing and British identity.
Noël Coward: Costume, Designers, and Modern Style
GUEST POST: Callista Payne (FSU student, History and Theatre, ’23) on the work of Coward’s favourite designers.
The views, opinions and analysis of guest contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Coward Estate, Foundation or Archive Trust