Tonight At 8:30 (1991)

Eight plays by Noel Coward ranging from dramas (THE ASTONISHED HEART), comedies (HANDS ACROSS THE SEA) to musical (RED PEPPERS). In the theatre, the plays were presented in rotation with three of the original ten plays performed each evening. This production just uses eight of the ten plays. It's a vehicle that serves as a showcase for Joan Collins who is the only actor in every play while a repertory of actors fill out the various roles for the other playlets. The production allows Collins a variety of roles rather than the usual glamour parts she plays. She plays spinsters (FAMILY ALBUM), aging shop owners (STILL LIFE) and shrews (FUMED OAK) as well as glam parts (SHADOW PLAY). The quality of the plays vary. Some are quite witty while others don't hold up well with mores that go against the grain in contemporary society. Other cast members include Anthony Newley, Sian Phillips, Jane Asher, Miriam Margolyes, Denis Quilley, Tony Slattery, Moyra Fraser and John  Standing.