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Performance Dates
22 September - 12 December 2026
37 reviews
Run time: 2hrs 20mins
Includes interval
Emmy, two-time Tony, Screen Actors Guild and Drama Desk winner Christine Baranski makes her West End debut as the iconic Judith Bliss, sparring alongside Academy Award nominated stage and screen legend Richard E. Grant in a stinging new production of Noël Coward’s irresistible comedy directed by Emily Burns.
Last year, Judith retired from her life-on-stage. Already, she misses the applause.
Idling away at their country home, the rest of the family – hermetic novelist husband David and failure-to-launch children Sorrel and Simon – are too self-involved to be a good audience.
So, Judith invites a young fan as her guest for the weekend. But unbeknownst to her, each of the Blisses have a guest of their own arriving at the very same time.
Completely unsuited to hosting and allergic to compromise, the house quickly erupts into a chaos of parlour games, put-downs and unrequested encores.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
25 Jun, 2026 | By Hay Brunsdon
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.
17 Apr, 2026 | By Hay Brunsdon
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.
18 May, 2015 | By Tony Peters
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.
11 May, 2015 | By Harriet Hards
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.
3 May, 2012 | By London Theatre Direct
Exclusive ticket offer on Hay Fever at the Noel Coward Theatre. Book now!
19 Mar, 2012 | By London Theatre Direct
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.
16 Mar, 2012 | By London Theatre Direct
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.
9 Mar, 2012 | By London Theatre Direct
The Noel Coward Theatre is finally showing a Noel Coward play, Hayfever starring Lindsay Duncan and Jeremy Northam until 2nd June.
28 Feb, 2012 | By London Theatre Direct
OPENS 10 FEBRUARY - BEST AVAILABLE SEATS JUST £39.50
15 Dec, 2011 | By London Theatre Direct
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