Hay Fever (2)
by Noel Coward
Hay Fever (2) had 5 performances over 17 years ago (between the 17th of July 2007 and the 21st of July 2007) at The Riverhouse Barn
Often considered to be Coward’s best loved and best written play, Hay Fever bursts with style, wit and sophistication. It is set in 1925 in the country house of the delightfully eccentric Bliss family: David Bliss, a writer, Judith his wife, ex-actress, always threatening to return to the stage, their children Simon and Sorel equally self-centred and insensitive. Each of them has invited a guest down for the weekend without reference to the others. When the guests arrive, they are equally appalled and bewildered by the rude reception they receive. Throughout the weekend they are swept up into the arguments and in-family games that ensue until they can stand no more. They collectively creep out of the house on Sunday morning while the Bliss family pursue a disagreement over breakfast unaware of the exeunt of their emotionally exhausted guests. When the door slams and the car leaves, “How rude!” they exclaim and continue with their breakfast. This delightful play offers nine clearly drawn characters. Coward’s witty dialogue needs to be played with great style, pace and clarity. It is a great ensemble piece usually presented on a large stage with an extravagant set. We are using the intimacy of the Barn to move inside the experience of a weekend with the outrageous Bliss family.
A flyer for this production can be downloaded from the link http://rdg.org/flyers/hay-fever.pdf
Download flyer
Click here to download a copy of the flyer for this production.
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Judith Bliss - Frankie GodlimanJudith Bliss ( 45 – 60) Beautifully eccentric; ex-actress of the melodramatic genre, adores her children, used to getting her own way, doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Likes to be flattered. Has invited Sandy for this purpose. |
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David Bliss - Wally WaltersDavid Bliss (50 –65) Writer husband of Judith, totally absorbed in his novel, uses people for observation. Has invited Jackie for this purpose. |
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Simon Bliss - Nick LundSimon (20s) Son of the family, his artistic bent is drawing caricatures, very untidy, petulant and often rude. Like his mother, he is overly dramatic and wants his own way. Likes the attention of older women. Has invited Myra for this purpose. |
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Sorel Bliss - Anna NapolitanoSorel (20s) Daughter of the family, appears more practical and level headed than Simon, spends most of her time socialising, very fond of her mother and understands her characteristics. Likes her own way. Wants to appear more intellectual so responds to older men. Has invited Richard for this purpose. |
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Myra Arundel - Linda RussellMyra Arundel ( 40+) The vamp. Very stylish and aware of herself. Invited by Simon. Suffers his attentions but is more interested in what effect she has on David. Relishes the verbal banter with Judith. |
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Richard Greatham - Ian ThomasRichard Greatham (40+) The diplomat. Invited by Sorel. Very much the civil servant image, straight-laced and rather dull. |
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Jackie Coryton - Helen SkinnerJackie Coryton ( 18 – 25) Young, shy flapper, not very bright. Invited by David. Much conveyed through body language and facial expression. |
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Sandy Tyrell - Tony FrierSandy Tyrell (20s) Rather athletic young man who boxes. Invited by Judith. Very eager to please and besotted with Judith, A bit like a puppy dog. |
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Clara - Anne NunnClara (40+) Once Judith’s dresser, now the housekeeper/cook. Very untidy and blunt. Makes no attempt to be subservient |
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Director - Jane Walters |
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Stage Manager - Liz Thomas |
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Continuity - Gillian Smithies |
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Lighting - Bill Payne |
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Set Design and Construction - John Godliman |
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Sound - Ian Santry |
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Photography - Alan Bostock (www.photoeyes.biz) |