The Stables Theatre and Arts Centre
The Bourne, Hastings
East Sussex TN34 3BD
01424 423221
The Bourne, Hastings
East Sussex TN34 3BD
01424 423221
Hay Fever
By Noël Coward
A Stables Theatre production
Directed by Lita Brooker
13–21 March 2009
Reviewed by Karen Rees
By Noël Coward
A Stables Theatre production
Directed by Lita Brooker
13–21 March 2009
Reviewed by Karen Rees
The Stables’ second offering for the 2009 season was again a comedy but from a bygone age. Hay Fever opened in 1925 and was the first of Coward’s plays to obtain an enduring place in the mainstream theatrical repertoire. The play centres on four egocentric members of an artistic family who casually invite acquaintances to their country house for the weekend, and bemuse and enrage each other’s guests for their own entertainment. By the 1970s the play was recognized as a classic, where the intention was to amuse and delight through its characters' interplay without necessarily having any higher mission or message. The playwright was probably poking fun at contemporaries in his cultural circle. Seen from this distance, it is hard to empathize with their dissolute way of life, and therefore an uphill struggle for the actors to create the sense of playful ennui that could breed the mischievous atmosphere needed.
The pivotal role of Judith Bliss, recently retired actress, was played by the stylish and beautifully attired Val Jones, seeking to draw all into her orbit, her stage having become her home and her audience her family and guests. Caught in the same game of self-indulgently seeking entertainment was her daughter Sorrel played by Jackie Eichler, a stalwart of the Old Town venue, and Simon, the son, played by Alex Hunt, rapidly becoming familiar in the younger roles. Slightly in the background, but fully complicit in the errant selfishness of the family, was the novelist father, David Bliss, portrayed by Duncan Brown, who delivered his lines with witty aplomb and involved us in a fine interplay with the vampish Myra Arundel (Bertie Hustwayte). Bertie caught the eye with lovely movement and reaction to her adoration being turned against her. The other supporting roles made their presence known through Sarah Evans’ Jackie Coryton, with her expressive eyes and body language, and Peter Barrs’ diplomatic behaviour as Richard Greatham in the ever-shifting sands of the Bliss household. Very impressive was an attack of the hiccups created by Nick Griffith playing Sandy Tyrell, yet another innocent bystander to the family shenanigans.
The evening was enhanced by the impressive and highly effective set; the costumes were appropriately beautiful and authentic, as were the hairstyles. Coward’s wit and clever dialogue can still offer much amusement and enjoyment.
The pivotal role of Judith Bliss, recently retired actress, was played by the stylish and beautifully attired Val Jones, seeking to draw all into her orbit, her stage having become her home and her audience her family and guests. Caught in the same game of self-indulgently seeking entertainment was her daughter Sorrel played by Jackie Eichler, a stalwart of the Old Town venue, and Simon, the son, played by Alex Hunt, rapidly becoming familiar in the younger roles. Slightly in the background, but fully complicit in the errant selfishness of the family, was the novelist father, David Bliss, portrayed by Duncan Brown, who delivered his lines with witty aplomb and involved us in a fine interplay with the vampish Myra Arundel (Bertie Hustwayte). Bertie caught the eye with lovely movement and reaction to her adoration being turned against her. The other supporting roles made their presence known through Sarah Evans’ Jackie Coryton, with her expressive eyes and body language, and Peter Barrs’ diplomatic behaviour as Richard Greatham in the ever-shifting sands of the Bliss household. Very impressive was an attack of the hiccups created by Nick Griffith playing Sandy Tyrell, yet another innocent bystander to the family shenanigans.
The evening was enhanced by the impressive and highly effective set; the costumes were appropriately beautiful and authentic, as were the hairstyles. Coward’s wit and clever dialogue can still offer much amusement and enjoyment.
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Photographs > www.artypharty.com
A selection of production photographs from the 1950s to the present is available at our photographer Peter Mould’s website.
A selection of production photographs from the 1950s to the present is available at our photographer Peter Mould’s website.
