US actress Christine Baranski has expressed her excitement about making her West End debut later this year in a fresh production of Noel Coward’s comedy Hay Fever. The announcement was made on Friday, revealing that Baranski will star alongside Richard E Grant.
At 73, Baranski described the opportunity as a „dream come true“ and noted that it felt „extraordinary“ to be stepping onto the West End stage at this point in her career. „It’s been on my bucket list for years,“ she stated. „It’s going to be just wonderful; I can’t tell you how excited I am. Believe me, I’m already studying the role, learning my lines, and working to polish an English accent.“
Production Details and Personal Reflections
The production is set to run for 12 weeks at the Wyndham’s Theatre in London, starting from September 22. Speaking from New York, Baranski shared her longing to return to her theatrical roots, which she felt had been sidelined due to her filming commitments. „The problem has always been my filming schedule, which has not allowed me to carve out enough time to do a play, but if ever there was a play for me to do, it would be this one,“ she explained.
Baranski emphasized her enthusiasm for the project, stating, „The skill set involved is so to my liking—dusting off my light comedy skills and doing it with an ensemble cast of actors who are keen to revive Coward in that way.“
Grant’s Return to the Stage
Richard E Grant expressed his delight at returning to the West End after a two-decade hiatus, calling Baranski „sensational“ in a statement. He humorously noted that Hay Fever premiered in the West End 101 years ago, adding, „I love the theatre and am thrilled to return to it.“
Despite her recent fame from musicals and television dramas, Baranski reflected on her beginnings as a theatre actress, stating that she initially had „no desire to be a television actor.“ She recalled how her career took a significant turn in her early 40s when she was cast in the 1990s sitcom Cybill, which opened doors to numerous film roles. „That really transformed my career, and suddenly I was offered wonderful movie roles,“ she noted. „So to my astonishment, the latter part of my career has been film and mostly television.“
Career Highlights and Upcoming Role
Baranski has received six Emmy Award nominations for her portrayal of Diane Lockhart in The Good Wife and continued her role in the spin-off The Good Fight. Her extensive credits also include performances in Chicago, Nine Perfect Strangers, Frasier, and The Big Bang Theory. Currently, she is featured in HBO’s period drama The Gilded Age.
„This is the first opportunity where it’s clear I have an opening where I will finish The Gilded Age in mid-August and go into rehearsal for Hay Fever a few days later,“ she explained.
About Hay Fever and Its Inspiration
Hay Fever is one of Coward’s most celebrated comedies, centering on the self-absorbed Bliss family, which includes retired actress Judith, her novelist husband David, and their children Sorel and Simon. The plot unfolds as each family member invites a guest to stay for the weekend without informing the others, leading to a chaotic series of events.
Traditionally, the lead female role has been portrayed by a British actress, with Felicity Kendal last taking on the character in 2015. However, it is noteworthy that Coward based the character on an American he met at a dinner party in 1921. The playwright was intrigued by Broadway star Laurette Taylor and her brusque demeanor with guests, which inspired the play.
„It’s the most delightful story,“ Baranski remarked regarding the Taylor connection. „She had a husband named Hartley Manners, and they were so bohemian and so rude. Laurette Taylor was a famous and brilliant American actress, and Noel Coward renamed them Hardly Manners,“ she added with a laugh.
Baranski has a history with Coward’s works, having appeared in several of his plays, including Fumed Oak, Private Lives, and Blithe Spirit. „So I’m something of a Cowardian,“ she joked, expressing her fondness for Coward’s witty dialogue and flamboyant style. „I just love the quicksilver delivery and suave flamboyance of Coward; it’s delightful to play.“
Grant and Baranski’s Collaboration
Grant, who gained prominence with the 1987 film Withnail & I, has recently appeared in Saltburn, Nuremberg, and The Thursday Murder Club. Although he and Baranski are not well-acquainted, they recently connected via Zoom, with Baranski stating, „I was utterly captivated by him. He’s whip smart, wickedly funny.“
The new adaptation of Hay Fever will be directed by Emily Burns and produced by Wessex Grove and Gavin Kalin Productions.
Bildquelle: Foto von JUNHYUNG PARK auf Unsplash
