HAY Fever is one of Noel Coward's most popular plays.

Written in 1924 the classic comedy has had numerous revivals and this production by Sir Peter Hall has been a sell-out success in the West End. It is about the Bliss family and a chaotic country house weekend.

Judith Bliss is a retired actress who lives with her husband David, a romantic novelist, and her two quarrelsome children, Sorel and Simon. The action takes place one weekend when each member of the family has invited a guest and not told the others.

When they arrive, the guests are ignored while the family bicker among themselves.

In the Bliss household, civilised traditions like afternoon tea are simply occasions for embarrassing selfishness. The weekend descends from confusion into chaos and the poor guests find themselves little more than bit-part actors in a real-life drama they don't really understand but which is unfolding around them largely orchestrated by Judith.

There are engagement announcements and lots of opportunities for arguing and melodrama. Stephanie Beacham (Judith) is very entertaining as the supremely self-centred, overly-theatrical, over-the-top actress, all waving arms and purple prose.

I also liked Emily Pollet as Jackie Coryton, the rather nervous, not-too-bright flapper with the squeaky voice and frightened eyes. You couldn't help but feel for her.

The stage set is wonderfully art deco and glamorous and was applauded by the audience.

The play is on at Malvern Theatres tonight (Friday, June 1) and there are two performances tomorrow. Tickets are £16-£26 and can be booked on 01684 892277.

SUE VICKERS