Christine Baranski and Richard E Grant are set to star in a West End production of Noël Coward’s 1924 comedy Hay Fever. The veteran actors will portray the narcissistic Bliss family, marking a significant stage return for both performers.
Bringing the narcissisic Bliss family to the West End stage
The production of Hay Fever aims to capture the specific, high-society atmosphere of the 1924 era. According to the report, Baranski will play Judith Bliss, an actress grappling with retirement, while Grant plays her husband , David.. The two actors recently visited the Noël Coward archive to immerse themselves in the playwright's world, examining letters from legends like Marlene Dietrich and Richard Burton.
The Bliss family characters, including siblings Simon and Sorel, are known for their constant squabbling and for serving poor meals while behaving quite poorly to their guests. Rather than a modern reimagining, the play intends to be a classic experience, which Grant describes as sipping "champagne in a crystal glass."
Embracing the "condiment years" at 69 and 74
The term "condiment years" provides a new way to frame the later stages of a high-profile career . coined by Grant’s late wife, Joan Washington, the phrase suggests that veteran performers are brought into a production for their "vinegar , mustard, [and] spice." This concept aligns with a broader cultural shift where aging actors are celebrated for their complexity rather than being sidelined, proving that there is still plenty of "mustard" left to give.
From 15 Emmy nominations to the "honeymoon" of grandparenting
Both performers are balancing their professional resurgence with significant personal milestones. Baranski, who trained at Juilliard, reflected on her long career and her status as a frequent Emmy nominee, jokingly calling herself one of the awards' "biggest losers" due to her 15 subsequent nominations. Meanwhile, Grant is enjoying the "honeymoon" phase of grandparenting while returning to the London stage after a 20-year hiatus.
The report also touches on their shared resilience following the loss of their spouses, Matthew Cowles and Joan Washington, respectively. This sense of gratitude seems to be a guiding principle for both stars; as the report notes, Baranski mentioned that even when dealing with the discomforts of a long film shoot, she reminds herself not to complain, a sentiment Grant echoed regarding his own work.
The mystery of Richard E Grant’s upcoming second series
While the West End run is the immediate focus, several details about the actors' futures remain unconfirmed . Grant has teased an upcoming appearance in a second series this autumn, though he has not yet disclosed the title. Furthermore, while Baranski expressed a desire for her grandsons to witness her performance, she mused that this "might be my last play," leaving the longevity of her stage career an open question.
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