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POSTED: 14 JULY 2009

Hay Fever, by Noel Coward

(Genesian Theatre, Kent Street, Sydney | Until 8 August)

If you think your family is dysfunctional, come along and see Genesian’s production of Noel Coward’s Hay Fever. It’s like 10 sessions of family therapy but quicker — and much funnier.

Coward’s classic work, first performed in 1925, tells the story of one scarily typical weekend in the life of the Bliss family. Each member has invited a guest to stay. What each visitor doesn’t know is that the Blisses revel in a bizarre and chaotic game — flirt with, shock, discombobulate and generally torture the company!

Like an early prototype of Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Wolfe, the family members keep the guests thoroughly confused and discomfited. What makes Hay Fever remarkable is that Coward based his play on actual people in his acquaintance.

As Coward himself noted, the play itself has “no plot at all and remarkably little action. Its general effectiveness therefore depends on expert technique from each and every member of the cast.” Fortunately, then, director Nanette Frew has selected a fine ensemble to do the play justice.

Retired theatrical diva Judith Bliss reigns over this crazy household. Hilary Miller’s portrayal of the ageing, flirtatious Judith — who does indeed seem to believe the whole world’s a stage — is expertly timed. She has invited the infatuated Sandy (Mark Franklin), and proceeds to simper and flirt outrageously — at first!

Her novelist husband David (Timothy Bennett) has invited Victoria (Jackie Coryton), but seems to have forgotten who she is! Coryton’s giggling, nervous ingénue is a pleasure to watch.

Their son, Simon (Michael Sutherland), has added the cool and acerbic Myra (Melanie Robinson) to the mix, and daughter Sorel (Marisa-Clare Berzins) has roped in diplomatist Richard (Jordan Watt). Berzins is charming and hilarious as the capricious Sorel — and seemed to be channelling Audrey Hepburn’s comedic turns to perfection.

As the weekend passes, the poor guests are subjected to increasingly frenetic professions of love, arguments, and pandemonium. Unlikely combinations start and splinter. Maid Clara (Susan Carveth) glides in and out, unperturbed and seemingly unsurprised at the shenanigans.

Not laugh-out-loud funny, but full of appreciative chuckles, Hay Fever is a lovely period piece. As usual, the Genesian Company have selected a play beautifully suited to the atmospheric theatre. Beautiful costuming (credit to Susan Carveth) and an elegant set (Debbie Smith) complete the experience.

Finally, the shell-shocked visitors make their escape while the family once again begin to squabble, blissfully (sorry!) unaware of their departure.