Roger Rees will most likely play Noel Coward to Twiggy's Gertrude Lawrence in Sheridan Morley's Noel & Gertie, a new revue which examines the relationship between Lawrence and her friend and frequent co-star, playwright Coward.

Morley told Playbill On-Line (Feb. 20) that it looked like Rees would be stepping into the role of the writer and bon vivant, though the casting was not definite. Rees is currently starring opposite Uma Thurman in The Misanthrope Off-Broadway.

Noel & Gertie is scheduled to arrive at the Variety Arts Theatre sometime this spring. Marvin Krauss will produce. Lee Lawson is the director.

Sheridan Morley's Noel & Gertie had its U.S. debut several years ago at the York Theatre and was revived last summer at the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, Long Island. Twiggy's co-star at that time was James Warwick, who starred in the Peter Hall-directed Broadway revival of An Ideal Husband.

Lawrence was perhaps playwright Coward's most famous interpreter, appearing in many of his plays, including London Calling!, Tonight at 8:30, and, famously, Private Lives. Twiggy acted in Private Lives in a London staging two years ago. However, in theatrical circles, she is still best known for her Broadway turn in George Gershwin musical My One and Only, in which she co- starred with Tommy Tune.

Morley is the London theatre critic for the International Herald Tribune and for the Spectator, and has appeared frequently on British television and on the cabaret stage. He has written more than a dozen books on entertainment personalities, including his father, actor Robert Morley. He's also a correspondent for Playbill On-Line.

-- By Robert Simonson