Betrayal, love, marriage… what more could you ask for from Noël Coward’s hilarious play “Present Laughter,” coming to the Lincoln Theater Saturday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. captured live from The Old Vic, London’s independent not-for-profit theater and world leader in creativity and entertainment.

From Director Matthew Warchus (Artistic Director of the Old Vic) and starring multi award winner Andrew Scott (known for playing Moriarty on the BBC hit series “Sherlock,” and the Priest in the award-winning series “Fleabag”) this provocative comedy from National Theatre Live is one not to miss.

Set in the 1940’s, in the midst of World War II, we find ourselves in a London studio where, at the center of his own universe, sits matinee idol Garry Essendine (Andrew Scott). He is suave, hedonistic and too old, says his wife, to be having numerous affairs. His interest in harmless, infatuated debutantes is largely tolerated but playing closer to home is not. Just before he escapes on an overseas tour to Africa the full extent of his misdemeanors is discovered, and all hell breaks loose. Garry’s life is in danger of spiraling out of control - engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, and his few remaining days at home become a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.

Having premiered in 1942 on a 25-week tour through Britain in the early years of the Second World War, Noel Coward's “Present Laughter” hit the stage just as such privileged lives were being threatened with fundamental social change. The play then went on to premiere on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre in October 1946. An English playwright, Noël Coward was best known for these highly polished comedies of manners, such as “Present Laughter” and two of his most popular works “Private Lives” (1930) and “Blithe Spirit” (1941).

Coward's richly comic play  is a giddy and surprisingly modern reflection on fame, desire, and loneliness. Filmed live at The Old Vic with state-of-the-art filming techniques that deliver close-ups capturing every flicker of emotion, to sweeping wide shots of the stage, you’re guaranteed to have the best seats in the house.

At Lincoln Theater,  2 Theater St. Tickets are available at the door, beginning one hour before showtime; $15 adult, $13 members, and $5 youth 18 and under. No advance ticket sales for this event.