The first rehearsal photographs have been released for Hay Fever, the stinging new production of Noël Coward's irresistible comedy that brings two-time Tony Award winner Christine Baranski and Academy Award nominee Richard E. Grant to the Wyndham's Theatre this autumn. Directed by Emily Burns, the strictly limited season runs from 22 September to 12 December 2026, and the newly released images offer a first glimpse of a starry company at work in the rehearsal room.
First look: inside Hay Fever rehearsals
Christine Baranski leads the company as Judith Bliss, the gloriously theatrical retired actress at the centre of Coward's comedy, opposite Richard E. Grant as her novelist husband David. The new photographs catch the pair mid-scene and mid-cup-of-tea, alongside the wider ensemble bringing the chaos of the Bliss household to life. Swipe through the first images from the rehearsal room below.
Christine Baranski as Judith Bliss
Richard E. Grant as David Bliss
Ash Hunter and Christine Baranski
Nancy Carroll, Richard E. Grant and Will Close
Charles Edwards and Ophelia Lovibond
Director Emily Burns in the rehearsal room
All rehearsal photos: Marc Brenner.
Who is in the cast of Hay Fever?
Christine Baranski plays Judith Bliss and Richard E. Grant plays David Bliss, heading a company that includes Nancy Carroll as Myra Arundel, Will Close as Simon Bliss, Charles Edwards as Richard Greatham, Ophelia Lovibond as Sorel Bliss, Ash Hunter as Sandy Tyrell, Lucy Karczewski as Jackie Coryton and Jo McInnes as Clara, with Helena Antoniou, Charlotte Avery, Alan Drake and Shaun Mendum completing the cast. For the full run-down, see our guide to the full Hay Fever cast.
What is Hay Fever about?
First staged in 1925, Hay Fever is one of Noël Coward's most beloved comedies, a wickedly funny portrait of the Bliss family, a household of self-dramatising monsters led by a retired stage star who cannot stop performing even at home. Over one riotous weekend in the country, each member of the family invites a guest to stay, without telling the others, and the mismatched visitors are swiftly swallowed up in the Blisses' games, flirtations and grand emotional scenes. It is Coward at his sharpest and silliest, a comedy of appalling manners that has delighted audiences for a century.
The creative team
Hay Fever is directed by Emily Burns, with set and costume design by Frankie Bradshaw, lighting design by Oliver Fenwick and sound design by Tingying Dong. The fight and intimacy director is Bethan Clark, with Danièle Lydon as dialect coach and Blythe Stewart as associate director. Casting is by Jim Carnahan CSA and Liz Fraser CSA.
Hay Fever dates and tickets at Wyndham's Theatre
Hay Fever plays a strictly limited season at Wyndham's Theatre, a Delfont Mackintosh theatre, from 22 September to 12 December 2026. With a star cast and a short run, the best seats are likely to move quickly, so it is worth booking early. Browse performances, compare seats and see live availability, then book Hay Fever on tickadoo. Members of tickadoo+ save on seats to West End shows.
Hay Fever: quick questions
Who stars in Hay Fever at Wyndham's Theatre?
Christine Baranski stars as Judith Bliss and Richard E. Grant as David Bliss, in a production directed by Emily Burns with a full supporting company including Nancy Carroll, Charles Edwards and Ophelia Lovibond.
When is Hay Fever on, and how do I book?
Hay Fever runs at Wyndham's Theatre from 22 September to 12 December 2026, a strictly limited season. Compare seats and see live availability, then book on tickadoo; tickadoo+ members save on West End seats.
Built by the founders of London Theatre Direct, with 25 years of expertise in theatre ticketing. The tickadoo editorial team covers West End and Broadway shows, attractions, tours and experiences across 700+ cities.
About the team
