Hay fever : A light comedy in three acts

Set in the comfortably chaotic hall of a country house on a bright June afternoon, the play gathers a lively troupe of siblings, cousins and acquaintances whose conversations sparkle with witty repartee. Simon, the sarcastic artist, and Sorel, the literary‑minded sister, spar with each other over poetry, garden parties and the looming arrival of a mysterious guest. Their banter reveals a family accustomed to eccentricities, from a mother absorbed in flower names to a father buried in work, all while the house itself brims with colorful cartoons and mismatched décor.

As the day unfolds, the household buzzes with anticipation of a distinguished diplomat, Richard Greatham, whose potential visit threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of affection and rivalry. Old loves, fresh infatuations and the promise of a weekend romance begin to surface, setting the stage for gentle misunderstandings and charming confrontations. The first act offers a bright, breezy portrait of post‑war English society, inviting listeners to enjoy the lighthearted, character‑driven humor that carries through the ensuing acts.