"Hay Fever" by Noel Coward

Nottingham Lace Market Theatre.

As part of the Centenary celebrations for the Lace Market Theatre, they are producing the Noel Coward play "Hay Fever", which was written in 1924.

"Hay Fever" is set in an English country house in the 1920s, and deals with the four eccentric members of the Bliss family, Judith and David Bliss and their children Sorel and Simon, and their outlandish behaviour when they each invite a guest to spend the weekend. The self-centred behaviour of the hosts finally drive their guests to flee while the Blisses are so engaged in a family row that they do not notice their guests' furtive departure.

Coward once stated that this play had no plot and very few witty lines. I disagree. I've always enjoyed Noel Coward's witty writing and, even though the comedy is written about life a hundred years' ago, a funny line can transcend the years when written to the standard that Coward writes. It is based on, and influenced by a weekend that Coward spent with friends and only took three days to pen.

Helen Sharp, who plays Judith Bliss, really brought to mind the comedy stylings of Patricia Routledge - one of my favourite comedy character actors. Whether Patricia played this role in her extremely varied and successful career I know not but while watching the play, I received images of Dame Patricia, channelled by Helen. Judith is a "retired" actor, or should that be "resting", who has a longing to return to the stage, encouraged by her family.

Fraser Wanless plays Judith's husband, David, a novelist who is in the process of finishing his latest book. I have come to expect a classy performance from Fraser, and he does not disappoint as Fraser is one classy actor.

The daughter, Sorel, is played by Rosie Randall. Sorel takes after her mother in the flirting department and is actually caught in the library with Sandy Tyrell, who is Judith's guest. Judith is non-plussed by this as she has eyes for Richard!

Simon Bliss, the son, is played by Luke Willis. Simon is an interesting character who, we discover, is not that bothered about personal hygiene, visually apparent form his first scene of the play. He is the more laid-back member of the family. At times Simon is almost horizontal in his laid-back approach, at other times he is like an excited puppy.

Sandy, played by Harrison Lee, is a fan of Judith's; wide -eyed and a little unsure of himself and how to conduct himself inside his idol's home. Suitably nervous around his idol and played to perfection by Harrison.

Myra Arundel is the vamp invited by Simon, and played by Tamzin Grayson-Gaunt, who I imagine really enjoyed playing this juicy role.

Jonathan Cleaver plays diplomat Richard Greatham, who Judith enjoys flirting mercilessly with. I love the part when Jonathan tentatively kisses Judith on the back of her neck, and the over dramatic reaction he receives from her.

The last guest is Jackie Coryton, a flapper and the invited guest of David. Jackie is played by Tabitha Daniels. When Judith catches them kissing there's another exaggerated theatrical scene where we find David playing up to his wife. There is a lot of playing up to la Diva, as confirmed by Sorel when she explains to Sandy that she plays the theatrical game for Judith's benefit, as "one always plays up to Mother in this house; it's a sort of unwritten law."

Finally, there is Clara, Judith's housekeeper, played by Cynthia Marsh. This is one of my favourite characters in "Hay Fever" as she is the most grounded and down to earth character, often treating them all with disdain, which is where much of Clara's comedy lies.

Directed by Peter Konowalik, and assisted by Wayne Parkin. What I especially like about this production is the pace that they play is taken at, and that gives time for the comedy to register with the audience. Many times I've seen lines slightly rushed and there's no time to take in a comic line, and before you know it some of the comedy is lost. The pace is perfect and the full glory of Coward's wit is appreciated in all its' glory. There's also a nice little musical piece added, as this is not a musical and adds whimsicality to Judith's flirty scenes.

The set is wonderfully lush with five different entrance/exit points, including down the middle of the auditorium. I won't say too much about the set as it's one that you need to see to drink in the whole 1920's affect. The set itself is designed by Emma Jane Pegg.

Lighting for this show is by David Billen and the sound is by Simon Carter. Smooth and perfectly executed in both areas.

Also adding to the decadence of the period are the costumes. Act Two shows the characters done up to the nines with immaculate tuxedos and gorgeous evening wear for the ladies. Max Bromley has done this production proud with the ladies and gentlemen's evening wear.

The ladies' hair and make up is thanks to Linda Croston and Lily Goult, and add the finishing touches to the whole look.

"Hay Fever" is always in the top choices of Noel Coward's plays, up there with the marvellous "Blithe Spirit", "Private Lives" and "Present Laughter", and now I can tick off "Hay Fever" from my Noel Coward plays list.

"Hay Fever" is at the Nottingham Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 19 November, if you can still get a ticket, as this play is one not to be sneezed at. If only all fevers were such marvellous fun!