THE STORY of the friendship between two of the greatest stage stars of the 20th century comes to the Stephen Joseph Theatre, (SJT) Scarborough, later this month.

Noël and Gertie – the story of the close friendship between Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence – can be seen in the SJT’s McCarthy auditorium on Wednesday, 19 and Thursday, April 20.

Based on the ‘real-life love story’ of playwright and songwriter Coward and actress Lawrence, the production is a revival of Sheridan Morley's hit West End play crafted from diaries and letters, excerpts of their most famous performances together and unforgettable songs such as Mrs Worthington, Some Day I'll Find You and Parisian Pierrot. This year marks the tenth anniversary of Morley’s death; the play is being revived as a celebration of his life.

One famous 1930 telegram exchange between Coward and Lawrence went as follows:

Gertie: Play opens tomorrow. Bring a friend. If you have one.

Noël: Cannot make opening night. Will come second night. If you have one.

Director and producer Matthew Townshend, of Townshend Productions, said: "This play encapsulates a real-life love story and the complex relationship between an extraordinary duo who were inseparable until Gertrude's premature death during her Broadway run of The King And I.

“It epitomises an era of sophistication and elegance and features songs, sketches and snippets of scenes from some of Coward's most famous work including Private Lives, Blithe Spirit and Tonight at 8.30, as well as his unmistakable wit.”

Helen Power, who has previously appeared in Sunset Boulevard in the West End and appeared in the UK tour of Chess plays Gertie and Ben Stock, whose credits include West End performances of Grease and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, plays Coward. Musical direction is by Steven Edis and live piano accompaniment is provided by Jonathan Lee.

Noël and Gertie can be seen at the SJT at 7.45pm on Wednesday, April 19 and at 1.45pm and 7.15pm on Thursday, April 20l. Tickets cost from £10 to £22, with £5 tickets available for under-26s, and can be booked via the box office on 01723 370541 or online at www.sjt.uk.com