Introduction from our Director, David Greenwood:
Hay Fever was written by Noël Coward in 1924. It is a cross between high farce and a comedy of manners (it has been called a “comedy of bad manners), with perhaps a dash of cruelty thrown in. The play is set in an English country house in the 1920s, and deals with the four members of the Bliss family and the games they indulge in when they each invite a guest to spend the weekend.
The play is a 20th century classic. A wonderful confection of sparkling dialogue, riotous ensemble scenes and beautifully observed human interaction, it has never been out of the repertoire and continues to delight audiences with its wit and biting satire.
Hay Fever is a gift from a master of the theatre. We think we will have a lot of fun, which we will hopefully communicate to our audience and, in doing so, produce something memorable of which we can be proud.
Links to script:
Dates:
There will be a Presentation/Readthrough on Wednesday 10 May at 7.30pm at the Shottermill Club, 2 Liphook Rd, Haslemere GU27 1NL.
Auditions will be held on Wednesday 17 May from 7.30 onwards at the Shottermill Club. If you cannot make this date but wish to be considered for a part, please let us know via the Contact Us page.
The production dates are Thursday 5, Friday 6 and Saturday 7 October at Haslemere Hall.
Rehearsals will be on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning in early June. Most rehearsals will be in the Shottermill Club with a few Sunday evenings in the Hall. There will probably be a week’s break in late August.
Characters:
There are 9 characters (5 female/4 male) and each part promises to be a pleasure for the lucky actor. They are:
● Judith Bliss (F,acting age 40/50s).
● David Bliss (M, acting age 40s/50s).
● Sorel Bliss (F, acting age 20s).
● Simon Bliss (M, acting age 20s).
● Sandy Tyrell (M, acting age 20s).
● Jackie Coryton (F, acting age 20s).
● Richard Greatham (M, acting age 40s/50s).
● Myra Arundel (F, acting age 30s/40s).
● Clara (F, acting age unspecified).
I will give a brief description of each character at the 10 May Presentation/Readthrough.
Auditions:
Audition materials will be available at the Presentation/Readthrough and will also be available on this website.
Key considerations:
● Ability to deliver the lines. Crisp and rhythmic delivery will be welcomed. A word of warning, though. Anyone who tries a Noël Coward impression will be taking a big risk!
● Much of the play consists of one on one scenes, so matchups are important. The audition pieces will include dialogue/scenes to see how people might work together.
● Judith has a song in Act 2. Accuracy is less important than flamboyant theatricality, but her audition piece will include music.
● Clara has a song in Act 3. Accuracy is less important than flamboyant theatricality, but her audition piece will include music.
Acting Fee:
The Haslemere Thespians’ policy is not to make a charge for membership. An acting fee of £30 is required. If you take a part, you will be invoiced for this.
We looking forward to seeing you soon!
David Greenwood, Director
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