Unlike the pesky pollen allergy, this is one case of Hay Fever you'll definitely want to catch. Noël Coward's gloriously chaotic comedy returns to London in a sparkling new production at The Old Vic, bringing together two bona fide screen legends for one of the biggest theatrical events of the season. Oscar nominee Richard E. Grant and two-time Tony Award winner Christine Baranski (making her long-awaited West End debut) lead a dream cast in Coward's razor-sharp comedy of manners, where one disastrous weekend in the countryside spirals into absolute mayhem. Whether you're a lifelong Coward fan or have never seen one of his plays, here's everything you need to know before taking your seat. What is Hay Fever about? The play follows the Bliss family, a wonderfully self-absorbed collection of artists who treat everyday life like a never-ending theatrical performance.  Retired actress Judith Bliss, her novelist husband David and their grown-up children Simon and Sorel all secretly invite guests to stay for the same weekend without telling one another. Four unsuspecting visitors arrive expecting a peaceful escape to the countryside. Instead, they're thrown headfirst into a whirlwind of dramatic declarations and spectacularly awkward social encounters. The history of Hay Fever When Hay Fever premiered in 1925, Noël Coward was only 25 years old. Remarkably, he reportedly wrote the play in just three days. Some critics initially dismissed it for having very little plot, but audiences couldn't have cared less. The sparkling dialogue, larger-than-life characters and relentless comic energy made it an instant success. 101 years later, it's still one of Coward's most frequently performed plays. So the critics aren’t always right! Christine Baranski makes her West End debut Best known for scene-stealing performances in The Good Wife, The Gilded Age and the MAMMA MIA! films, Baranski actually began her career in theatre, winning two Tony Awards before becoming one of television's most recognisable faces. Despite her extraordinary stage career in America, she's never appeared in a West End production until now. Judith Bliss feels like the perfect role for Baranski’s London debut. Witty, glamorous, dramatic and deliciously over-the-top, it's hard to imagine a character better suited to Baranski's razor-sharp comic delivery. She's also no stranger to Noël Coward, having previously performed in productions of Private Lives and Blithe Spirit!

Christine Baranski makes her long-awaited West End debut this autumn in Noël Coward's classic comedy Hay Fever, starring opposite Richard E. Grant. As one of America's most celebrated stage and screen actors prepares to tread the boards in London for the very first time, here's a look back at her remarkable career and some of her most memorable performances. Who is Christine Baranski? Christine Baranski is an award-winning American actor whose career has spanned stage, television and film for more than four decades. Renowned for her razor-sharp wit, impeccable comic timing and commanding screen presence, she's become one of Hollywood's most recognisable performers. Whether she's delivering cutting one-liners or stealing the show in a musical, Baranski has a unique ability to make every role unforgettable. Where have you seen her before? Christine Baranski has appeared in countless films and television series throughout her career, making her one of those actors everyone recognises, even if they can't quite place where from. Many audiences know her as the formidable Diane Lockhart in The Good Wife and its spin-off The Good Fight. Others will recognise her as Tanya in the MAMMA MIA! films, where she proved she can belt out an ABBA classic just as effortlessly as she delivers a perfectly timed punchline. Wasn't she in The Grinch? Yes! Baranski played Martha May Whovier in How the Grinch Stole Christmas opposite Jim Carrey. Glamorous with an INCREDIBLE dressing gown, Martha May quickly became one of the film's most memorable characters. It's a festive favourite that many audiences revisit every Christmas, and Baranski is a huge part of its enduring charm. What else have I seen her in? Baranski's screen credits are packed with iconic performances. She appeared in Chicago as newspaper columnist Mary Sunshine, starred in Cruel Intentions, Into the Woods and A Bad Moms Christmas, and currently delights audiences as Agnes van Rhijn in HBO's lavish period drama The Gilded Age. Television fans may also remember her Emmy-winning performances in sitcoms including Cybill, while younger viewers may know her distinctive voice from animated favourites and family films. 

Richard E. Grant returns to the West End this autumn in Noël Coward's classic comedy Hay Fever, starring opposite Christine Baranski in her West End debut. As audiences prepare to see the beloved actor live on stage, here's a look at his remarkable career and some of his most memorable roles. Who is Richard E. Grant? Richard E. Grant is one of Britain's most distinctive actors, known for scene-stealing performances across film, television and stage. With a career spanning almost four decades, he has become a beloved figure thanks to his hilarious screen presence and ability to move effortlessly between comedy and drama. Where have you seen him before? Richard E. Grant first burst onto screens in the cult comedy Withnail and I in 1987, one of my all-time favourite films! His performance quickly established him as one of Britain's most exciting acting talents and remains one of the most celebrated debuts in British cinema. Since then, he has appeared in a huge range of films, from period dramas and comedies to blockbuster franchises and family favourites. Wasn't he in Spice World? Yes! Many audiences will remember Grant as long-suffering manager Clifford in Spice World: “They're hot, Chief! They've got fire in their eyes, hunger in their bellies and great big shoes on their feet!” The film became a cult classic and remains one of his most recognisable roles. He also appeared in The Little Vampire (great film!) Bram Stoker's Dracula and, more recently, Emerald Fennell's dark comedy Saltburn. He also had a minor but iconic role in the The Thursday Murder Club as Bobby Tanner; crime kingpin-come-florist. What else have I seen him in? Grant has enjoyed an acclaimed television career as well as success on the big screen. He earned widespread praise and an Academy Award nomination for Can You Ever Forgive Me?, while younger audiences may recognise him from Marvel's Loki. Has Richard E. Grant appeared on stage before? Yes. Alongside his extensive film and television work, Grant has appeared in numerous stage productions throughout his career. His theatre credits include My Fair Lady, A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Importance of Being Earnest,

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.

Director Lindsay Posner’s production of Noel Coward’s Hay Fever, farcical comedy of manners arrives in the West End following a very well received run at the Theatre Royal, Bath last summer.

Following its success at the Theatre Royal Bath, Noel Coward’s Hay Fever has arrived at the Duke Of York’s Theatre for a limited season. Felicity Kendal stuns as Judith Bliss, the eccentric former actress who is incapable of giving up the spotlight, even to her equally self-involved husband and children. Hay Fever follows the Bliss family through an outrageous weekend of entertaining four unsuspecting guests.

Howard Davies’ five star critically celebrated production of Noël Coward’ Hay Fever - the sublime comedy of bad manners - must end its limited run at the Noël Coward Theatre on 2 June 2012 as previously announced.

 Exclusive ticket offer on Hay Fever at the Noel Coward Theatre. Book now!

Visit the Bliss family and their guests for the house party of the season at the Noel Coward Theatre!  The critics love Hay Fever on until 2nd June.

Most people don't know much about London theatre ownership, most likely people think that each theatre is family owned and operated and has been that way since its beginning. The fact is that nearly all of the prominent theatres in London's West End are part of big chains who own several of the famous theatres in London.