Blackwood Players’ production of Hayfever is agonizingly comical. The secret of this revival of Noël Coward’s play of bad manners is the natural and combustible chemistry between mother and daughter Judith Bliss (Nicole Seal) and Sorel Bliss (Rosie Williams). They are both sublime and indecently funny when exuding theatrical excesses while tormenting a group of unsuspecting visitors.
Coward’s script is dazzling clever and hugely funny, but it still takes a great deal of talent to produce a remarkable, thoughtful comedy with memorable performances from striking actors. Damien White succeeds on all levels. He directs with a controlled energy and effectively glosses over the dearth of plot by allowing a loose yet familiar interplay between his players that drives the production and gives it endless charm.
You might like
The action is set in the 1920s, and deals with the four Bohemian members of the Bliss family and their eccentric conduct when they each, without consulting the others, invite a guest to spend the weekend at their English country manor. Sorel has invited Diplomat Richard Greatham (Scott Brokenshire) and her brother Simon has invited femme-fatale Myra Arundel played fearlessly and fabulously by Miffy Davies. The siblings are displeased when their mother, a retired actress, announces she is hosting, Sandy Tyrell one of her worshipping fans. When patriarch David Bliss declares that Jackie Coryton has accepted his invitation for the weekend the entire household is upset. From this distraught beginning the fun starts as the Bliss family sabotage each others’ plans.
The farcical shenanigans are almost verbal-slapstick yet side-splittingly hilarious. Seal and Williams et al, deftly balance their characters emotive outbursts with lashings of comedy and an abundance of charm. Hayfever is a pure delight.
Hayfever is on at Blackwood 21 until 3rd August 2013.