The Rose Centre, Belmont
Auckland
New Zealand
I'm very excited to be directing Hay Fever by Noel Coward for Company Theatre as part of their 2015 season.
I have loved this play since I first acted in it 18 years ago at drama school. I then directed it 10 years later with teenage students at Howick Children's and Youth Theatre
and am now ecstatic to finally be able to direct it with this talented adult cast.
Set in the 1920's Hay Fever combines all the style and sophistication of this period with hilariously funny characters
and Noel Cowards brilliantly witty writing.
Those who have seen a production of Hay Fever before will no-doubt be rushing to book tickets and those who haven't should see what they have been missing out on before they miss out again. Guaranteed to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
Hay Fever is a wonderfully entertaining, comic play written by Noël Coward in 1924.
Best described as a cross between high farce and a comedy of manners, the play is set in an English country house in the 1920s, and deals with the four eccentric members of the Bliss family and their outlandish behaviour when they each invite a guest to spend the weekend.
The self-centred behaviour of the hosts finally drives their guests to flee while the Blisses are so engaged in a family row that they do not notice their guests' furtive departure!
The Bliss Family Members
Simon Bliss James Coventry
Judith Bliss Catherine Maunsell
Sorel Bliss Courtney Eggleton
David Bliss Arthur Young
Clara - the Maid Liz Phillips
Their Guests for the weekend
Sandy Tyrell Alex Gleed
Myra Arundel Kate Birch
Jackie Coryton Helene Holman
Richard Greatham Max Golding
Catherine Maunsell as Judith Bliss
Director Julian Harrison
Production Manager Kathy Gent
Stage Manager Liz Gill
Stage Manager Jan Judson
Lighting Design Scott Thomas
Lighting and Sound Operator Stephen Hood
Props Fred and Doreen Gould
Props assistant Linda Camplin
Set Design/Construction Ian Birch
Set Construction Russell Simpson
Set Dressing/Painting Caroline Parker
Costumes Cathie Sandy
Costumes Assistant Barbara Faron
Costumes Advisor Ruth Chapman
Publicity Kathy Gent
Programme and Facebook Kate Birch
Front of House Manager Lesley Hawkey
Bar Manager Alastair Fletcher
Photos Sherry Ede and Ian Birch
BOOKINGS by Kath Hair, Manager of The Rose Centre 445 9900