Hay Fever in Rehearsals

Lindsay Duncan and Jeremy Northam in rehearsal

The cast of Hay Fever have begun rehearsals with director, Howard Davies. The Noel Coward comedy will open at the theatre bearing his name on 10 February, 2012. This new production is set to shed new light on the classic play, which has been seen in the West End as recently as 2006 in Peter Hall’s production which starred Judi Dench, and toured the UK. The play is a staple for amateur and rep theatre groups all over the country.

Hay Fever follows a weekend in the life of eccentric Bliss family. Its irrepressible matriarch, Judith, a former actress, is contemplating a return to the stage whilst her husband tries to finish a novel, all to their mischievous children’s bemusement. When houseguests arrive amidst this chaos, hilarity ensues in this classic comedy of manners that displays Coward at his devilish best.

Lindsay Duncan leads the cast as Judith. A stage and screen veteran, Duncan is best known for her film appearances in Alice in Wonderland and Mansfield Park, as well as award-winning theatre roles in That Face, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Top Girls. This production marks a reunion between Duncan and director Davies, who won seven major international awards for their collaboration on Noel Coward’s Private Lives in 2001.

Olivia Colman and Kevin R. McNally

Joining Duncan is Jeremy Northam, known for his roles in Gosford Park and The Tudors as Richard Greatham, Pirates of the Caribbean star, Kevin R. McNally as David Bliss, and Olivia Colman of Peep Show, Hot Fuzz, and Green Wing as Maya Arundel. Up-and-comer Freddie Fox also stars as Simon Bliss after appearances in The Three Musketeers and at the Old Vic in A Flea in Her Ear and Cause Célèbre.

Hay Fever is booking through 2 June, 2012. For more information on Noel Coward, visit the official website.