Penrith Players will be transporting audiences back to the 1920s with their latest production — a revival of Noël Coward’s hilariously funny Hay Fever in its centenary year.
Director Lisa Burke said it was a “nice surprise” when she found out that Hay Fever, which opened at the Ambassadors Theatre, London, on 8th June, 1925, directed by Coward himself, would be celebrating its 100th birthday when it opens at Penrith Playhouse for a four-night run on Wednesday, 11th June.
Back in August, while considering which play to direct for the Penrith Players, she saw a National Theatre Live production of Noël Coward’s Present Laughter.
“Watching it, I was reminded of Coward’s witty dialogue and his characters who, though rooted in a particular time, still seemed incredibly modern.
“By chance, the following day I came across a second hand copy of Hay Fever in a local book shop and my decision was made.
“It’s one of his earliest plays, first performed in 1925, and the rebellious spirit of the age can be seen in the bohemian Bliss family and their comical disregard for convention.”
The play sees four guests being invited to stay for the weekend, each by a different member of the family, before being variously ignored, seduced and bewildered.
“It’s been magical to see a brilliant cast bring it to life through song, dance and their incredible comic acting,” said Lisa.
On the question of whether she feels the play has stood the test of time, Lisa said: “The characters have, I think, but their social world has changed.”
Audiences will be able to relate to the characters, who are still very modern, despite the world they live in being very different to the one we inhabit today. Each of the Bliss family is creative in some way. David is an author, Judith an actor-diva, Simon an artist, while Sorrel, the youngest of the family at only 19, is on a mission to improve herself and her family.
“They are opposing forces and don’t really believe in keeping to these social conventions that the other characters do,” said Lisa.
Although they do appear to possess some selfish qualities, Coward also finds something to admire in each of them, which draws the audience in and helps create a dynamic and fast-moving piece of theatre, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The play is being performed at Penrith Playhouse from 11th to 14th June, starting at 7-30pm.
Tickets can be bought online at penrithplayers.org.uk, at the town’s tourist information centre and on the door. Period cocktails like Gin Fizz will also be available to buy at the theatre bar and music from the 1920s will be playing so you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Jazz Age.
Tickets can be purchased at penrithplayers.org.uk, on the door and at Penrith tourist information centre.
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