 | | It's bliss in the Bliss household, or is it? |
It's probably the case that on any day Hay Fever will be playing in at least one theatre somewhere in the world. However, this is a brand new production from legendary theatre director Sir Peter Hall which first saw the light of day last year at London's Theatre Royal, Haymarket. Now it's on tour with a classy cast led by TV's favourite vet (or doctor) Christopher Timothy and Stephanie Beacham of Tenko and Dynasty fame. No surprise, then, that even on a Monday night there were few empty seats. Now I always think it's a bit lame in reviews when people go on about the set so I'll get it over with straight away. Here we have a fantastic recreation of a 1920s house. I'd buy it! And the acting, well it can't be faulted but a bit more of that later... But the play's the thing, and that's what I couldn't get my head around. Hay Fever is often described as a 'comedy of manners' but a comedy of bad manners would be a much more useful description.
 | | Always on the stage: Stephanie Beacham as Judith |
Various guests descend for the weekend on the Bliss family who have moved out to Cookham. (I've never understand why people say they've travelled down from London when they are going north). She's an actress, he's a novelist and then there are Sorel and Simon, the children, who don't seem to have occupations of any kind. It's interesting that the programme contains a couple of pages on dysfunctional families which is strange - or maybe that's the point - this is a perfectly functional family. Seemingly very rude to each other, always bickering, we soon realise that their guests - a somewhat stiff diplomat, a shy and awkward flapper, a Hooray Henry and a woman of the world - are all being taken for something of a ride. They are simply extras in the Bliss's very own play. There's no denying that Stephanie Beacham as the former (or soon to return to the stage) actress Judith Bliss has a very meaty part with plenty of opportunity for some deliberate and delicious overacting. Christopher Timothy, though, is given very little to do which may come as a disappointment to some of his fans. Despite one or two good one liners I can't say this had me rolling with laughter in the aisles, but maybe that's just me. Judging by the appreciative applause at the end of the show most people who came along had a very enjoyable evening. Reviewed by Chris Verguson Hay Fever is at the Alhambra in Bradford until Saturday 19th May 2007. | 
