Christine Baranski is set to make her much-awaited West End debut. The acclaimed actor will star alongside Richard E Grant in a revival of ‘Hay Fever’. The announcement has generated excitement among theatre enthusiasts worldwide.
Christine Baranski’s West End debut
Christine Baranski will play the role of retired actress Judith Bliss in the production. The play is described as a “stinging new production” of Noel Coward’s classic comedy. As reported by Independent, Baranski expressed her excitement about performing in London’s theatre scene. She said: “I attended my first West End play as a student at Juilliard in 1971, so it’s rather a dream come true to perform at Wyndham’s Theatre in a Noel Coward play in the West End. I look forward to a life in London, a city I absolutely adore.”
Richard E Grant returns to stage
Richard E Grant will portray David Bliss, a reclusive novelist and Judith’s husband. This marks his return to the West End stage after a 20-year absence. Grant shared the following quote from the aforementioned website: “Twenty-five years ago, I guest-starred for a night in The Play What I Wrote at the beautiful Wyndham’s Theatre. I am delighted to return to the Wyndham’s stage (and maybe to a bigger dressing room) alongside the sensational Christine Baranski in Noel Coward’s delicious comedy, Hay Fever, which premiered in the West End 101 years ago (but who’s counting?).”
About ‘Hay Fever’
‘Hay Fever’ is a classic comedy set in a country house. The play revolves around the eccentric Bliss family and their unusual behaviour. Originally premiered in the West End in 1925, it remains a popular theatrical piece. The production will be directed by Emily Burns. Both lead actors expressed excitement about collaborating with the director.Baranski said: “Richard is so gifted, whip smart, and wickedly funny. I look forward to ‘tearing a passion to tatters’ with him alongside our brilliant director, Emily Burns.” Grant added: “I love the theatre and am thrilled to return to it, and to be directed by the illustrious Emily Burns.” The play will run at Wyndham’s Theatre from September 22 to December 12, 2026 and a press night has been scheduled for October 1 during the run.
