I first discovered Noel when I decided to sort through my grandfather's collection of records. He had what we in South Africa call 'Koop siekte' (buying sickness) and there were many doubles and triples which I wanted to clear out. I decided that I should listen to a few while I was at it and the moment I beheld the cover of a commemorative edition of Sir Noel Coward's songs and saw the amusing looking old gentleman in a purple suit with cigarette in hand, I thought 'This man looks rather interesting...", a feeling confirmed by song titles such as 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen'. Being just 17 or so at the time (I am 28 now), I accidentally made him all the more amusing by putting the record player on a faster speed, but once I stopped him squeaking, I was totally smitten by the intelligence and verbosity of his humor. I loved his songs so much and hated the fact I couldn't remember all the words, that I began to memorise them all and sing them. During University days I sang them in the car to and from campus and began adding more and more songs and reciting comedies, teaching myself to sing by ear. Until recently I worked as a field guide and would sing for the guests from the mountain tops; occassionally I was even asked to entertain elderly ladies groups, who never failed to enjoy Noel's (now charmingly reserved) risque humour in 'In a Bar on the Piccola Marina' and 'Poor Uncle Harry.' I have Noel to thank for inspiring me to sing and for the many lonely moments that were made far more cheerful thanks to his songs. I'm not really one for the 'fan' culture, but if there is one person I should have loved to have met if he were still with us, it would be Sir Noel Coward.

I only discovered Noel Coward - although I knew the name - about a year ago and have been fascinated by 'the master' ever since. I also have a lot of sympathy for h im, especially the way he was treated during and after the war.

I liked him as the prison gang leader in 'The Italian Job'.....he would have loved that role, he was such an old queen!

Great hero in my life super all rounder

Noel Coward was a talent that couldn’t be measured….one of a kind..broke many of societies taboos..and rightly so..he was perfect to do so..❤

I was an extra in the '60s revival which premiered in Bromley, working with the stunningly beautiful, Gabrielle Drake from UFO 🎉. The West End move was cancelled & the only surviving photo has me centre Stage in a vintage black bathing suit😅.

A life well lived

Yes

16:06 to 16:09 Stephen Fry, far left.....time traveling for a visit to Noel Cowards for the weekend.

46:00 Maggie Smith////

It is Maria Aitken not Maggie Smith. There ‘s nothing to do with Stephen Fry.

WHERE DID ENGLAND GOES?

There was then still an England.

Sorry - Maggie has just turned up!

There'll ALWAYS be an ENGLAND!!! W.T. WAGNER, IV

Strindberg was immeasurably better. !