Vol.1) Present Laughter & Vol.2) This Happy Breed : Both Copies Signed By Noel Coward And All The Cast : With A Loosely Inserted Advertising Handbill For The Two Plays

A 2 Vols. set : Both books are First UK printings and published by William Heinemann, London in 1943. The books are signed by Noel Coward and all the cast : Joyce Carey and Judy Campbell on the initial blank and on the half-title: Gerald Case, Beryl Measor, Molly Johnson, Billy Thatcher, James Donald, Dennis Price, Gwen Floyd, Meg Titheradge and also that of the Peggie Dear, the stage manager. Loosely inserted is a rare advertising handbill (flyer) promoting the original West End production of these plays at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London. (Following a Provincial Tour, 'Present Laughter' opened April 29th, 1943 and 'This Happy Breed' opened April 30th, 1943. Both productions played just over five months at the Haymarket Theatre). Both BOOKS are in Very Good++ or better condition. The wrapper has adhered in a very small area to the lower edge of the rear cover of 'Present Laughter'. A little toning and spotting to the text-blocks. Light offsetting to the blank end-papers with a little toning to the page edges due to the cheap quality of the war-time paper stock used. The WRAPPERS are in Very Good++ condition with a little edge-wear and some age related markings but are remarkable survivors. Both wrappers are protected in removable Brodart archival covers. Provenance: Matthew Bell ('Matt'), props master, whom the books were inscribed to by the author. In 2019, there was a revival stage production of 'Present Laughter at 'The Old Vic Theatre', for which Andrew Scott won the 'Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play'. A wonderful two volume set with such unique attributes. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.