Waiting In The Wings

Noel Coward had a deep affection for many of the actresses with whom he had worked over many years and was only too aware of the problems they faced as parts simply dried up. He sets his play in 1960 in The Wings, a charity home for actresses who have fallen on hard times. Here, the ladies grow older ungracefully amid squabbles, memories and jealousies.

Things really come to the boil when the once great actress Lotta Bainbridge arrives. Years earlier, she has married the former husband of another inmate, May Davenport who is resolved to never forgive her. Their feud soon affects everyone. It is only resolved when one of the other ladies sets fire to her room. Following this accident, Lotta and May work towards a reconciliation. However, Lotta's life is further turned upside down when her son unexpectedly returns after 17 years. Coward regarded this scene between mother and son as one of the best he had ever written. He also wrote the words and lyrics for the various songs.