THIS is a telegram exchange between Noel Coward and Gertrude Lawrence sent in 1930:

Gertie: Play opens tomorrow. Bring a friend. If you have one.

Noël: Cannot make opening night. Will come second night. If you have one.

Noel & Gertie is a warm and witty musical comedy based on the legendary friendship and professional collaboration of actor, playwright and songwriter Noel and the alluring and charismatic actress Gertie.

A major revival of Sheridan Morley’s hit play that originally ran in the West End for nine years, it is affectionately crafted from diaries and letters between a pair who epitomised an era of sophistication and elegance.

Featuring songs, sketches and snippets of scenes, the production has the entrancing effect of accurately portraying the relationship of this extraordinary duo, inseparable until Gertrude’s premature death of cancer, which left a large void in ‘the Master’s’ life.

Matthew Townshend’s production company MTP is the creative drive behind this version of the hit show which was first seen in 1985. His production featured as part of Frinton Summer Theatre’s 2014 75th Anniversary season and met with rave reviews.

With minute attention to detail, it takes a perfectly-orchestrated trip down memory lane and features scenes from Private Lives, Tonight at 8.30 (including Red Peppers and Still Life) and Blithe Spirit. These are offset with many of the best-loved songs: Mrs Worthington, Dance Little Lady, Sail Away and, of course, I’ll See You Again.

Intimate and fascinating, Noel & Gertie is set to entrance its audience with every smirk, every sharp rejoinder and every subtly raised eyebrow.

Noel and Gertie is at Swindon Arts Centre tonight at 7.30pm. Tickets are £16.50. Call 01793 524481 or visit swindontheatres.co.uk