Hay Fever

‘Hay Fever’ was written in 1924 by Noel Coward, and is still considered one of his best. This production by the Garrick Theatre is presented at the Garrick Theatre, 16 Meadow Street, Guildford. The two-hour performances start at 8.00 pm nightly until the 26^th February. A matinee at 2.00 pm on 13^th February.

 

         In the opulent sitting room of a country cottage on the outskirts of London, Sorrel Bliss (Natalie Watson) is arguing with her arrogant and self-centred brother, Simon (Michael Bayliss). Both have invited their own separate friends down for the weekend without any family consultation. When their Prima Donna mother, Judith (Michele Acott) – who hasn’t acted for years, but is still living the dream – enters the room, they both beg her to chose their friend to visit, only to find that she too has invited her own visitor for the weekend. On the arrival of Judith’s playwright husband, David (Stephan De Jonghe), they discover that he too has a guest coming.

        The overworked and under-appreciated maid, Clara (Kerry Goode) is horrified at having to cope.

         Sorrel’s guest, Sandy Tyrell (Rodney Palmer) is first to arrive, only to be semi-seduced by the mother. Myra Arundel (Renee Hammond), Simon’s friend is fancied by the father. The shy and awkward Richard Greatham (Rodney van Groningen) is in love with Sorrel. The father’s visitor, the sexy young Jackie Coryton (Jennifer Bowman), is totally out of her depth in this swinging society.

 

 

Director Dale James had to take over from a previous director at short notice. Last night, due to an actor becoming sick, she then found herself playing Jennifer, a character half her actual age and without a costume that would fit. Yes sh*t happens. An admirable performance from Dale under the circumstances.

The whole cast had very good comedic timing and delivery, but Noel Coward has almost a comedy genre of his own and it was Michele Acott and Rodney van Groningen who really conquered the Coward Style. Who thought that a simple part like the maid could raise so many laughs and so much admiration? Congrats to Kerry.

The period set was excellent, with bent-wood coat stand, flying ducks and even a grand piano. Quality view from the patio doors, well painted by Stephan de J. The costumes were outstanding – Ailsa Travers.

Don Allen and Liam Kirwan’s lighting was very good.

A couple of moans. The feed back to the audience from the bio box meant that the ‘turn your phones off’ announcement could not be heard in even the front row. This has been a problem for some months.

The programme stated three acts, but didn’t say how long the breaks were or when to leave the auditorium. Then the programme had a detailed write up of what was going to happen in each act, a bit of a spoiler.

A good fun show, showing a little bit of age, but some very funny performances.