The expression "the naked truth" takes on genuine immediacy toward the end of "Present Laughter" (yes, that play again).

Scott Elliott, the director of "Present Laughter," is unmoved.

"Present Laughter" is the kind of play in which someone, bursting with outrage, always exclaims, "What is the meaning of this?"

Coward wrote: "Present Laughter is a very light comedy and was written with the sensible object of providing me with a bravura part".

Even the use of mirrors, an essential element of any production of "Present Laughter," is overdone.

It was the first day of rehearsal on the stage on which "Present Laughter" would be played.

Present Laughter would have made theatre history as the first production to go from Belfast into the West End.

In the 1960s, he played the supporting role of Morris Dixon in Present Laughter.

And now, with "Present Laughter" seemingly set for a long run, the couple may well be on Broadway at the same time.

"Present Laughter" is a frivolous comedy of substance.