Noël Coward’s classic play Hayfever is currently being performed at Wyndham’s Theatre in the heart of Leicester Square. Nestled in the quintessential English countryside, each of the four family members have invited a “friend” to stay. However, they haven’t discussed this with each other and have all ear marked their guests to stay in the Japanese room!

Christine Baranski makes her West End debut as the iconic Judith Bliss, the older actor who is considering coming out of retirement and returning to the stage. Life mooching around her country home garden doesn’t offer her as much accolade. Fans of the film Mamma Mia will recognise Baranski from her role as Tanya Chesham-Leigh alongside many other roles throughout her long career.

Richard E Grant plays her reclusive husband, David Bliss, who spends most of his time shut away in his study working on his latest novel. After witnessing the family antics and games they play, who could blame him.

Will Close and Ophelia Lovibond play the couples adult children, Simon and Sorel, who would definitely benefit from growing up and finding jobs in the real world rather than hanging around the house playing mind games out of boredom.

The chemistry and dynamics on stage between the actors playing the “Bliss” family are eccentric and entertaining. Theirs humour and cutting personal comments that only family’s would get away with. They certainly aren’t decent hosts, and you wouldn’t choose to spend long in their company unless mind games are your choice of entertainment.

The star of the play is their long-suffering housekeeper, Clara, played by Jo McInnes. Who you can tell has seen just about everything during her years of service and humours the family with a degree of sarcasm.

Costume and set designer Frankie Bradshaw captures the era and decadence of the Bliss family superbly. The classic blue soft furnishings and high ceilings offer a graduer insight into the wealth and expectations that this out of touch family lives up to.

Director Emily Burns brings this wonderful Coward play back to the stage with a wonderful cast and captures the bohemian lifestyle that they live by.

Hayfever is one to catch in the West End with a high calibre cast who are all superb and skilled in their craft.

For more information and to book tickets, Hayfever, please use the link below.

Five Stars.

https://www.wyndhamstheatre.co.uk/whats-on/hay-fever