Stage Notes: Cyrano, Noel Coward Theatre

Following a brilliant run in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2025, the RSC‘s critically acclaimed production will transfer to London’s Noel Coward Theatre this summer (13 June–5 September). Adrian Lester and Susannah Fielding reprise their roles as Cyrano and Roxane for the London run, with the play adapted by Simon Evans and Debris Stevenson.

If you haven’t already snapped up your tickets or are wondering what’s in store, find Fielding’s comprehensive guide to Cyrano at the Noel Coward below, including the best spot to head to for a debrief afterwards.

Cyrano At London’s Noel Coward Theatre: What To Expect

Susannah Fielding as Roxane and Adrian Lester as Cyrano in RSC’s Cyrano de Bergerac. (© Mark Brenner)

What’s The Plot?

‘Cyrano is a wordsmith, sword fighter extraordinaire and a charismatic daredevil. Unstoppable, you might think – except for the insecurity he carries about his extra large nose,’ says Fielding.

‘When his beautiful and bright childhood friend Roxane returns to Paris, Cyrano’s feelings for her reemerge. War rages on in France and a new recruit, Christian [Levi Brown], arrives and attracts Roxane’s glances. Cyrano, unable to find the courage to act upon his own feelings (how could she ever love a man with such a face?) helps this simple but genuine guy to write her beautiful poetic letters to win her heart. And it works! But the lie gets out of hand…’

‘Cyrano is Edmond Rostand’s most famous play and a classic in French culture – and for good reason,’ Fielding adds.

Starring as Roxane, Fielding says the role ‘is particularly exciting on this occasion as director Simon Evans and poet Debris Stevenson, who have co-adapted the play, have reimagined this classic to become something exciting and modern but with complete respect to the original. This play demands everything of you as an actor and is such an exciting challenge. From high comedy, to poetry, battle scenes to heart crushing loss. It’s a total rollercoaster.’

Adrian Lester as Cyrano and Susannah Fielding as Roxane in RSC’s Cyrano de Bergerac. (© Mark Brenner)

‘It’s a story of love, insecurity and the very human fear that maybe we aren’t quite “enough”,’ Fielding adds. ‘It explores the difficulty of expressing our feelings and being truly vulnerable. Audiences responded so powerfully to the themes of the play at the RSC. It was extremely moving to be a part of.’

A highlight will be the famous balcony scene, ‘where Cyrano, Christian and Roxane all play at odds at the height of the letter writing deceit. It brings a wonderful farcical element to the show and was such a hit in Stratford. There is so much humour in the play and this serves as the pinnacle of that,’ Fielding summarises.

Fielding describes director Evans as having ‘no ego and extraordinary talent, a rare and beautiful thing’. ‘Working with him has been one of the highlights of my career. Every day in the making of this play felt like a collaboration and he was never afraid to let his own ideas go in favour of something new, yet he has the most thorough and passionate love for this piece of work. He’s also an amazing comedy director who understands exactly how to make a joke or moment as funny as possible.’

Adrian Lester as Cyrano in RSC’s Cyrano de Bergerac. (© Mark Brenner)

The Cast

Lester leads the show as Cyrano, reprising his role from the original RSC production, alongside Fielding as Roxane. They are joined by Levi Brown as Christian, Scott Handy as Comte de Guiche, Christian Patterson as Ragueneau, Philip Cumbus as Le Bret and more.

‘Roxane is traditionally a young beauty who doesn’t have much power within the world of the play. In our production, she is older and a feisty, powerful presence, desperate for a chance at love. She is as bright as Cyrano and it is that rapport and play with words and ideas that bonds them. She is a vivacious, colourful force within the grey, grieving country of France,’ Fielding explains.

Costume designer Grace Smart ‘has created an array of chic French inspired beauties for me to wear. Roxane is naturally stylish and Grace has drawn upon French fashion and fabrics that make Roxane someone your eye is drawn to so we can understand why Cyrano can’t forget her,’ Fielding adds.

The Venue

Cyrano de Bergerac is performed in the Noel Coward Theatre, one of the West End’s premiere venues. ‘It’s a beautiful theatre and right in the heart of the West End. It’s a much larger space than in Stratford, but comes from the period the play was written. It will be lovely to be in this grand and opulent space,’ Fielding says.

For audiences, ‘It will be exciting, I think, because the play opens in a theatre and we use the space within the audience. It’s a thrilling opening,’ Fielding teases. ‘The buzz of a theatre just as the lights go down is something that’s hard to beat.’

Cyrano made its debut in the RSC’s 2025 season to a standing ovation on the first preview, with that response continuing throughout the run. ‘The ending is extremely poignant and it was amazing to feel the response and emotional impact in people jumping to their feet in tears. It felt very special,’ Fielding shares.

Susannah Fielding as Roxane and Adrian Lester as Cyrano in RSC’s Cyrano de Bergerac. (© Mark Brenner)

The Takeaway

Tears tissue-dabbed, what will linger as you leave? ‘I hope the audience will go and tell the people they love that they love them. To have laughed and cried and felt the full spectrum of what it is to be human. And have been gripped by a story and production of the highest quality,’ Fielding says.

Eat & Drink Nearby

‘Cafe Koha, right behind the theatre,’ Fielding recommends. ‘It’s a West End classic where all the actors meet after shows. And they serve food and cocktails ’til late.’

Tickets

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