Lecture
Professor David Peimer
Saturday 7.02.2026
Professor David Peimer
Noël Coward’s Theatre, Musicals: The ‘Master of Chic and Cheek’
Saturday 7.02.2026
How to watch
This lecture starts on 7 February at 5:00pm (UK).
Summary
Everyone knows Coward’s phrase, “Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun!” We will delve into the fascinating wit, theater, films, and musicals of one of the greatest British comedy writers of the first half of the last century. Like Oscar Wilde, Coward made his lifestyle into an artistic expression and became a global celebrity. He also worked for British Intelligence during WWII, but, ultimately, he resonates today because of his intelligent wit, social satire, wonderful songs, and the unique persona he created.
Professor David Peimer
David Peimer is a Professor of Literature, Film and Theatre in the UK. He has worked for the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, New York University (Global Division) and was a Fulbright Scholar at Columbia University. Born in South Africa, David has won numerous awards for playwriting and directing. He has most recently directed Dame Janet Suzman in his own play, Joanna’s Story, at London Jewish Book Week. He has published numerous books, including Armed Response: Plays from South Africa and the digital book Theatre in the Camps. He is on the board of the Pinter Centre (London), and has been involved with the Mandela Foundation, Vaclav Havel Foundation and directed a range of plays at Mr Havel’s Prague theatre.