Hayfever

Hayfever by Noel Coward

26^th February – 2^nd March 2024

Director: Hannah Stow

Judith Bliss, a retired actress, and her author husband David live with their two children Simon and Sorrel in the Berkshire countryside.

A family of self-absorbed bohemians, they pursue a life unconstrained by mainstream values.

Independently of each other, they invite four guests to stay over the weekend.

What ensues is a game of humiliation where the invitees eventually pair off with an entirely different member of the family.

Unable to stand any more of their host’s self-serving behaviour the guests leave the house as quietly as they are able.

Written in 1924 and first produced in 1925, Hayfever was Noel Coward’s first major commercial success, and combines high farce with a comedy of manners.

“…a celebration of abnormality, and at the same time a disquieting study of both the pleasure and pains of not being able to restrain oneself.” (Evening Standard)

© Poster image Hannah Stow