Penrith Players will be transporting audiences to the 1920s with their latest production — a revival of Noël Coward’s 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 June 8 1925, directed by Coward himself, would be celebrating its 100th birthday when it opens at Penrith Playhouse for a four-night run on Wednesday, June 11.
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.
She said: “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 comic acting,” said Lisa.
The play is being performed at Penrith Playhouse from June 11 to June 14, starting at 7.30pm.
Period cocktails like Gin Fizz will also be available to buy at the theatre bar and music from the 1920s will be playing
Tickets can be bought online at penrithplayers.org.uk, at the town’s tourist information centre and on the door.
