UK Theatre Network

I’m always rude to people I like.

Noel Coward's plays epitomize the sophisticated wit of the era between the two world wars, and Hay Fever, a comedy of no manners at all about a family whose theatrical excesses and egotism drive their unsuspecting guests to despair, epitomizes the Coward play. Inspired by a weekend he spent at the house of the actor Laurette Taylor, Coward wrote this play in just three days. Upon its 1925 London debut, it was an instant hit with both the audience and the critics.

The eccentric Blisses—Judith, a recently retired stage actor who is already planning her triumphant return to the stage, her husband David, a self-absorbed novelist, and their two equally unconventional children Simon and Sorel — live in a world where reality often slides into fiction. Upon entering this world, the unfortunate weekend guests—a Foreign Office diplomatist, a shy girl, an athletic young man, and a fashionable sophisticate — are repeatedly thrown into melodramatic scenes wherein their hosts profess emotions and react to situations that do not really exist. The resulting comedic chaos ends only when the tortured visitors tip-toe out the door never to return.

Stephen Unwin’s fast paced direction and his excellent cast make this highly entertaining production a joy to watch. Celia Imrie is perfect as the flamboyant Judith Bliss who will use any opportunity to stage a performance. As she finds her husband David (a commanding performance by Stephen Boxer) in a passionate embrace with the seductive Myra Arundel (the intriguing Alexandra Gilbreath) Judith, at her melodramatic best, immediately agrees to a divorce so her husband and Myra can be happy while she retreats to her lonely country home to live in seclusion. The incredulous Myra finally exclaims: “You’re artificial to the point of lunacy!” Adrian Lukis gives an unforgettable performance as the rigid diplomatist who develops nervous tics as a reaction to the absolute lack of protocol or any kind of consideration. Georgia Maguire and Holly Jones make impressive professional debuts as Sorel and the shy Jackie, Joshua McGuire gives a fine performance as the spoiled artist son Simon, Sam Swainsbury is delightful as the naïve, star struck Sandy Tyrell, and Katy Secombe is charming as Judith’s former dresser who proves quite incompetent in her new role as house maid.

Because of film committments Celia Imrie will not be able to play the entire run. Her role as Judith Bliss will be played by Nichola McAuliffe from 11 October 2010.

Wed 20 Oct, 7.30: STAGETEXT captioned performance
Sat 23 Oct, 1pm:Touch Tour
Sat 23 Oct, 2.30: Audio-described performance with William Clancy

TIME TO TALK with CELIA IMRIE
Tues 5 Oct, 5.30
£5, £3
Matinee(s) Thurs & Sat 2.30pm, Evening(s) 7.30pm

The Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston

www.rosetheatrekingston.org