Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant to star in Noël Coward’s Hay Fever in the West End
Published on 17 April 2026
Summary
- Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant lead Noël Coward’s classic comedy Hay Fever in a new West End revival at Wyndham’s Theatre
- Directed by Emily Burns, the production brings fresh life to Noël Coward’s sharp, satirical take on family and manners
- First performed over 100 years ago, Hay Fever remains a fast-paced comedy of bad behaviour, following the chaotic Bliss family over one unforgettable weekend
Two major stars are set to lead a new West End revival of Hay Fever, as Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant take on the roles of Judith and David Bliss. Directed by Emily Burns, the production will run at Wyndham’s Theatre for a strictly limited season from 22 September to 12 December 2026.
This revival marks a significant milestone for both leads. It will be Baranski’s long-awaited West End debut, while Grant returns to the London stage for the first time in 20 years. The production promises a fresh take on Noël Coward’s classic comedy, bringing together wit, theatrical flair, and a cast of characters whose behaviour is anything but polite.
Baranski said today “I attended my first West End play as a student at Juilliard in 1971, so it's rather a dream come true to perform at Wyndham’s Theatre in a Noël Coward play in the West End. I look forward to a life in London, a city I absolutely adore. I last performed on stage 20 years ago, and coincidentally, Richard E. Grant last performed in the West End 20 years ago! Richard is so gifted, whip smart, and wickedly funny. I look forward to “tearing a passion to tatters” with him alongside our brilliant director, Emily Burns. Hay Fever is a 101-year-old comedy of appalling manners. It requires quicksilver delivery and suave flamboyance. I hope it will be a delicious treat for audiences to spend time with this Blissful Bohemian family!”
Grant added “25 years ago, I guest starred for a night in ‘The Play What I Wrote’ at the beautiful Wyndham’s Theatre. I am delighted to return to the Wyndham’s stage (and maybe to a bigger dressing room) alongside the sensational Christine Baranski in Noël Coward’s delicious comedy, Hay Fever, which premiered in the West End 101 years ago (but who’s counting?). I love the theatre and am thrilled to return to it, and to be directed by the illustrious Emily Burns.
What is Hay Fever about?
Set in an English country house, Hay Fever follows the eccentric Bliss family over one chaotic weekend. Recently retired actress Judith Bliss, missing the spotlight, invites a young admirer to stay — only to discover that each member of her equally self-absorbed family has invited a guest of their own.
What unfolds is a whirlwind of clashing personalities, social awkwardness and theatrical excess. Ill-equipped to host and incapable of compromise, the Blisses turn a simple gathering into a riot of misunderstandings, cutting remarks and exaggerated performances, all delivered with Coward’s signature sharp humour.
What has Christine Baranski been in?
Christine Baranski has built a hugely celebrated career across stage and screen, earning multiple awards including two Tony Awards and an Emmy. Television audiences will recognise her from roles in The Good Wife and its spin-off The Good Fight, as well as HBO’s The Gilded Age.
Her film work includes Mamma Mia!, Into the Woods, Chicago and The Birdcage, while sitcom fans will know her from The Big Bang Theory and Frasier. On stage, she has appeared in productions such as The Real Thing and Boeing-Boeing, cementing her reputation as one of the industry’s most versatile performers.
What has Richard E. Grant been in?
Richard E. Grant is an acclaimed actor whose work spans film, television and theatre. His film credits include Withnail & I, Saltburn and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, alongside The Iron Lady and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. He received widespread recognition, including Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations, for his role in Can You Ever Forgive Me?.
On television, he has appeared in series such as Loki, Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey. His stage work includes The Importance of Being Earnest and The Play What I Wrote, making this West End return a notable moment in his career.
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By Hay Brunsdon
I've over 15 years of writing and editorial experience, and starting working in the West End theatre industry in 2012. When not watching or writing about theatre I'm usually swimming, hiking, running, or training for triathlons in the Stroud valleys.