Present Laughter
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Present Laughter is a comedic play written by Noel Coward in 1939. The semi-autobiographical plot concerns Garry Esseldine, a very successful and egotistical actor. Garry must deal with the numerous women who want him (the stagestruck Daphne; the seductive Joanna); the few women who don't want him (his secretary Monica; his ex-wife Liz); a crazed young playwright named Roland Maule; and his own approaching 40th birthday. The play's title comes from a song in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, which urges carpe diem.