DORCHESTER Drama are into the final straight as they put the finishing touches to their production of Noel Coward's Present Laughter, which will be performed at the Corn Exchange from November 15 to 17.

Crystal decanters have been buffed and silk dressing gowns laundered. More importantly, Coward's delicious verbal sparring is tripping off the tongue with impressive dexterity, and the acid sharp quips are being honed to perfection.

Noel Coward is a master of his craft, a wizard with words. The character of Garry Essendine, vain and posturing, is a caricature of Coward himself and Present Laughter lightly lampoons the rather incestuous theatrical circles he moved in.

Garry Essendine has a tight knit circle of supporters, friends and employees, who may or may not be having affairs with each other; perhaps also with Gary himself. Into this clique are introduced a handful of bizarre and eccentric admirers, including Daphne, an adoring but scheming young woman and Roland, a frankly bonkers playwright, who will not be ignored.

Even the housekeeper is a peculiar Scandinavian who talks to the dead.

Gary is supposed to be going on tour in Africa but before that there’s a lot of post to sort, a delicious helping of secrets to be revealed, and a visit from Lady Saltburn and her niece that may or may not push Gary over the edge.

Spokesman Fran Sansom said: "Dorchester Drama are having tremendous fun rehearsing one of Coward's most witty and joyous plays. We'd love to see you there."

*Present Laughter, Dorchester Drama, Dorchester Corn Exchange, November 15 to 17 at 7.30pm. There will also be a matinee on Saturday, November 17 at 2.30pm Tickets are £10 each and available from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre at Dorchester Library, online at dorchesterdrama.org.uk, or from the ticket line on 01305 268692. They will also be available on the door, numbers permitting.