In The Vortex, Coward explores the darker side of the cocktail party set. Emotional blackmail, drug abuse and shattered relationships are minutely observed in this disturbing, early piece from a playwright whose sharp eye was usually more turned towards the light.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Margaret LeightonFlorence Lancaster | Florence Lancaster |
| AAlan MelvillePawnie | Pawnie |
 Patrick BarrDavid Lancaster | David Lancaster |
 Jennifer DanielHelen Saville | Helen Saville |
 Richard WarwickNicky Lancaster | Nicky Lancaster |
| FFelicity GibsonBunty Mainwaring | Bunty Mainwaring |
| BBarry JusticeTom Veryan | Tom Veryan |
| NNancie JacksonClara Hibbert | Clara Hibbert |
 David McKailBruce Fairlight | Bruce Fairlight |
| PPatricia MortPreston | Preston |