The perfect family gathering?

THE LEAVES might be turning brown, there’s an autumnal nip in the air, but a Brackbell-based theatre wants you to have hay fever.

Not just any hay fever, but one devised by that master of wit, Noel Coward.

South Hill Park’s Studio Theatre Company will present a new staging of the classic play Hay Fever between Wednesday, September 21, and Saturday, September 24.

Set in a country house on the River Thames, Hay Fever blends hi-jinks, satire and a comedy of manners to present a unique portrait of a wacky and endearing English family.

Each of the four members of the Bliss family has invited a guest to stay at the family estate for the weekend.

This sets the stage for a series of raucous misunderstandings that only serve to underscore an unspoken but universal fact: there is no such thing as a normal family.

Hay Fever is one of Noel Coward’s most famous plays, written nearly 100 years ago but it still maintains that special feeling of what it’s like to have invited but yet uninvited guests taking over your house for a weekend.

The play is sometimes charming and sometimes leaves audiences feeling very uncomfortable as the characters attempt small talk and loyalties and allegiances change throughout.

What is guaranteed is a hilarious night at the theatre as you enjoy the quintessentially British nature of this classic piece of theatre.

Auriole Wells play Judith

Bliss.

She said: “It’s been six years since I last exercised my performance muscle on the Wilde Theatre stage, so I thought I’d attempt to get it moving again and I’m thrilled to be playing the ultimate ‘Drama Queen’ Judith Bliss.”

But it’s a different experience for James Warriner–Gallyer, playing Sandy Tyrell.

“This is my first performance with the Studio Theatre

Company, first time at the Wilde Theatre and come to think of it my first Noel Coward play too,” he said.

“I have had a brilliant time with the team, and it’s been great fun delving into the Blisses’ bonkers little world.”

■ Tickets cost £16, or £14 for members. For more details, or to book, log on to: www. southhillpark.org.uk