Christine Baranski is currently making her West End debut beside Richard E. Grant in Hay Fever, Noël Coward’s comedy of family matters at Wyndham’s Theatre.
Having seen the play, a number of the City Adventurers were left wondering about the title. Looking online the answer appears to be relate to the way the setting is a subversion of a peaceful rural idyll.
Much like hay fever causes discomfort despite the beauty of flowers, the Bliss family’s countryside retreat brings discomfort to their guests. The title cleverly suggests how the seemingly idyllic setting can provoke unpleasant reactions, reflecting the chaotic and irritating experiences of the characters.
The Plot
Hay Fever is set in the country home of the bohemian Bliss family. The mother and father are Judith, a recently retired actress and David, is a novelist. They have two adult children, Sorrel and Simon, at home.
One summer weekend, all four members of the household invite potential romantic interests to their country home without telling the others. No-one is happy to discover the place will be full of houseguests.
What follows is a chaotic romp, filled with awkward conversations, wild flirtations and tangled relationships as each person ends up being attracted to someone different from the original intended pairings.
Review
After meeting for a delicious lunch, the City Adventurers collected their tickets and headed for the Wyndham’s Theatre.
This 1925 comedy by Noël Coward is considered one of his best and its definitely of its time. Funny, yes. But not hilarious.
The setting of the play is the country home of Mr and Mrs Bliss. Judith Bliss (played by Christine Baranski) has retired from her life-on-stage. Already, she misses the applause and has invited someone who admires her to stay for the weekend…..and she is not alone in wanting an admirer to visit !
The story revolves around each member of the family inviting a guest for the weekend.
Unfortunately none of them have thought to tell the others about the guest situation. So all 4 guests arrive as a shock to the rest of the family. During the weekend they are all subjected to all manner of indignities including cruel parlour games, bad food, and terrible sleeping arrangements.
Although the posters showed the stars of the show as Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant (playing Mr and Mrs Bliss). However, the play was really a vehicle for Christine Baranski, making her West End debut. She was very good and the supporting cast were fantastic.
Booking until 12 December 2026
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