Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant to Star in Hay Fever at Wyndham’s Theatre

17-04-26

Two major names are heading to the West End this autumn as Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant are set to star in a new production of Hay Fever at Wyndham’s Theatre.

Directed by Emily Burns, the production will run for a strictly limited season from 22 September to 12 December 2026, with a press night scheduled for 1 October.

The production marks Baranski’s West End debut, a significant moment in a stage and screen career that has already earned her multiple Tony Awards, Emmy recognition and widespread acclaim. She will play Judith Bliss, the retired stage actress at the centre of Noël Coward’s famously chaotic comedy.

Opposite her, Grant returns to the West End stage for the first time in 20 years to play David Bliss, Judith’s novelist husband. The pairing brings together two performers with extensive theatre credentials alongside high-profile screen careers, setting up one of the most anticipated casting combinations of the upcoming season.

Hay Fever remains one of Noël Coward’s most enduring works. First staged over a century ago, the play follows the Bliss family as their attempts to entertain guests spiral into a weekend of miscommunication, theatricality and social discomfort.

The setup is simple but effective. Judith, missing the attention of the stage, invites a guest to their country home. Unbeknownst to her, each member of the family has done the same. What follows is a series of overlapping visits, clashing personalities and increasingly absurd interactions, driven by Coward’s sharp dialogue and precise comic timing.

The role of Judith Bliss demands a performer capable of balancing heightened theatricality with exact comic control. Baranski’s stage background, combined with her reputation for delivering fast, intelligent dialogue, positions her as a natural fit for the part. Grant, whose theatre work includes productions at the Aldwych and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, brings a similarly strong sense of comic timing to the role of David.

Director Emily Burns continues to build on a strong portfolio of work across major UK stages. Her recent credits include productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, alongside work at the Bridge Theatre and Hampstead Theatre.

The production will take place at Wyndham’s Theatre, one of the West End’s most established venues, and continues a trend of high-profile revivals pairing major screen talent with classic British plays.

Beyond the casting, Hay Fever remains a play that relies heavily on ensemble precision. Further casting is yet to be announced, and will be key to shaping the dynamic of the Bliss family and their unfortunate guests.

The production also arrives at a time when Coward’s work continues to see renewed interest on stage, with audiences returning to his comedies for their pace, wit and sharply observed social dynamics.

Tickets for Hay Fever are now on sale – With a strictly limited run and two high-profile leads, the production is expected to be one of the most in-demand plays of the autumn season.

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