Waiting in the Wings

As a special tribute to Dame Penelope Keith who died in June, another chance to hear her remarkable performance as Lotta Bainbridge in Noel Coward’s Waiting in the Wings which was first broadcast on Christmas Day 2024.

The play was inspired by Coward's deeply held affection for the actresses with whom he had worked over many years. He was only too aware of the problems they faced as parts simply dried up. He sets the 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 was married to the former husband of another inmate, May Davenport who is determined never to forgive her. Their bitter feud soon affects everyone and is only resolved when one of the other actresses sets fire to her room. After this accident, Lotta and May decide to work towards a reconciliation. However, Lotta's life is further turned upside down when her son unexpectedly returns after 17 years, Coward regarding the scene between him and mother as among the best he had ever written. He also wrote the words and lyrics for the various songs.

For Penelope Keith and director Martin Jenkins this proved a memorable reunion as they had first worked together as members of the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963 and then, over the years, they joined forces again on a number of occasions. When Waiting in the Wings was recorded they were both in their mid-80s. Both also shared a passionate belief in the power of drama on radio.

Now 87, Martin recalls, “Working on the play some 65 years after it was written was a fascinating experience. Coward clearly knew and understood these women so well. They are totally believable. They are not shallow luvvies but real people experiencing all the problems which come with old age including dementia, boredom and loss of purpose but Coward lifts our spirits by lacing all this with humour, vigour, vitriol, energy and music. One minute you are laughing, the next you are confronting heart-felt emotions. It was a privilege to work with such an outstanding cast, especially Penny who brought such honesty and quiet sincerity to the role. Everyone knows, she had a wonderful gift for comedy but she could also touch our hearts with the direct truth of her emotions and that is what she does in this production.”

Cast:
Lotta Bainbridge - Penelope Keith
May Davenport - Susan Jameson
Bonita - Frances Jeater
Deirdre - Sorcha Cusack
Maudie - Cheryl Campbell
Sarita - Marcia Warren
Estelle - Jean Trend
Perry - Karl Davies
Miss Archie - Jenny Funnell
Osgood - Andrew Branch
Zelda - Clare Corbett
Alan - Roger Alborough
Dora/Dr Jevons - April Pearson

Written by Noel Coward

Pianist: Zhanna Kemp
Sound Design: David Thomas
Production Manager: Sarah Tombling

Adapted for radio and directed by Martin Jenkins

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4