Issy van Randwyck and Nick Waring will lead the cast of Noël Coward’s effervescent comedy of bad manners Hay Fever – written in three days when he was 24 – set in a country house in Berkshire.
Judith Bliss (Issy van Randwyck) is a famous West End actress, technically retired. Husband David (Nick Waring) churns out romantic novels. Their grown-up children – Simon and Sorel – resolutely refuse to grow up.
The pathologically self-absorbed Blisses invite a quartet of hapless guests for the weekend: a career diplomat, a predatory society girl, a conventional sporty chap and a sweet-natured flapper. The guests turn out to be cannon fodder in the family’s ongoing solipsistic fantasies. The sociopathic hosts are briefly in-credulous when their guests creep away after breakfast.
Hay Fever has something for everyone. The rude bohemians in the audience love watching themselves in action. More conventional theatregoers relish the enactment of their worst social nightmares. It’s a delirious rollercoaster of a play, encased in wit, comic brio and emotional truth.
The cast also features Aretha Ayeh (as Myra Arunde), Beth Lilly (Jackie Coryton), Daniel Fraser (Sandy Tyrell), Darrell Brockis (Richard Greatham), Emily Panes (Sorel Bliss), Joanna Brookes (Clara), William Pennington (Simon Bliss).
The creative team comprises: Tam Williams – Director, Michael Holt – Set Designer, Natalie Titchener – Costume Designer, Graham Weymouth – Sound Designer, Matt Biss – Lighting Designer and Kate Plantin CDG – Casting Director
Hay Fever is at Mill at Sonning 16 March – 13 May
