Richard E. Grant is currently starring in the West End production of Hay Fever, appearing alongside acclaimed actress Christine Baranski at Wyndham’s Theatre.
Fans watching Richard E. Grant on The Celebrity Traitors may be wondering where they have seen the award-winning actor before — or what he is working on away from the castle.
The actor is currently appearing on stage in London in Noël Coward’s classic comedy Hay Fever, where he plays David Bliss opposite Christine Baranski, who is making her West End debut as Judith Bliss.
The production is running at Wyndham’s Theatre for a strictly limited season, giving theatre fans the opportunity to see the pair together in one of Coward’s best-known comedies.
What is Hay Fever about?
First performed in 1925, Hay Fever centres on the eccentric Bliss family and their country house.
Judith Bliss is a former stage actress who has recently retired but is already missing the attention that came with her career.
Her husband David is a novelist, while their grown-up children Sorel and Simon are similarly caught up in their own worlds.
Things begin to unravel when the family members each invite a guest to stay for the weekend — without telling one another.
What follows is a chaotic weekend of unexpected visitors, complicated relationships and the Bliss family’s distinctly unusual approach to hospitality.
The comedy has remained popular for more than a century, with numerous stage revivals and adaptations since Coward first premiered the play.
Who does Richard E. Grant play in Hay Fever?
Richard E. Grant plays David Bliss, Judith’s novelist husband.
The role marks Grant’s return to the West End stage after around 20 years, giving audiences the chance to see the actor live in one of Coward’s enduring comedies.
Grant has enjoyed a long career across film, television and theatre, with credits including Gosford Park, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Saltburn, Downton Abbey and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
He was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in Can You Ever Forgive Me?.
Now, alongside his appearance on The Celebrity Traitors, he is taking on one of the central roles in Hay Fever.
Christine Baranski makes her West End debut
Grant’s co-star in the production is Christine Baranski, who plays Judith Bliss.
The American actress is making her West End debut with the production.
Baranski is an Emmy and two-time Tony Award winner and is well known to audiences for her work across stage and screen.
Her credits include The Gilded Age, The Good Wife, Mamma Mia!, Chicago and Into the Woods.
Her performance as Judith puts her at the centre of Coward’s dysfunctional family comedy, with Grant’s David by her side.
Who else is in the Hay Fever cast?
The production features a sizeable ensemble alongside Grant and Baranski.
The cast includes:
- Christine Baranski as Judith Bliss
- Richard E. Grant as David Bliss
- Nancy Carroll as Myra Arundel
- Will Close as Simon Bliss
- Charles Edwards as Richard Greatham
- Ophelia Lovibond as Sorel Bliss
- Ash Hunter as Sandy Tyrell
- Lucy Karczewski as Jackie Coryton
- Jo McInnes as Clara
The production is directed by Emily Burns, whose previous theatre work includes Measure for Measure, Dear Octopus and The Comeback.
Where is Hay Fever playing?
Hay Fever is being staged at Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End.
The production is running for a limited season, with tickets available across a range of performances.
There is currently availability for performances this weekend, although some dates have limited seats remaining.
Ticket prices vary considerably depending on the performance and seating location, with prices ranging from around £24 to £240.
How can I get tickets to see Richard E. Grant?
Fans hoping to see the Celebrity Traitors star away from the castle can book tickets for Hay Fever at Wyndham’s Theatre.
The official theatre website is the best place to check the latest availability, performance dates and ticket prices.
Wyndham’s Theatre – official website
For Celebrity Traitors viewers, the production offers a very different opportunity to see Grant in action — trading the intrigue of the castle for the chaos of one of Noël Coward’s most celebrated comedies.