‘There are probably greater painters than Noël, greater novelists than Noël, greater librettists, greater composers of music, greater singers, greater dancers, greater comedians, greater tragedians, greater stage producers, greater film directors, greater cabaret artists, greater TV stars. If there are, they are 14 different people. Only 1 man combined all 14 different labels: the Master.’

2023 marks the fiftieth anniversary of his death and provides a timely opportunity to re-evaluate the significance of this major cultural figure by offering new ways of engaging with his life and achievements.

One of the principal aims of the conference is to take an interdisciplinary approach to Coward’s influence beyond the realm of the theatre to include his work as a novelist and short story writer; his work as a composer, lyricist and singer; his work in cinema as actor, screen writer and director as well as the figure of Coward himself, who carefully fashioned and sustained an instantly recognised public persona. We welcome submissions from scholars, practitioners and archivists on any aspect of Coward’s career or legacy.

More information, including a detailed Call for Papers, can be found here

Deadline to apply: 31 January 2023