“Hay Fever” was performed on Thursday 21, Friday 22, and Saturday 23 Oct, 1954, at the Theatre Royal.
| Townsville Theatrical Society ‘Hay Fever’, Theatre Royal Thurs 21, Fri 22, Sat 23 Oct 1954 Cast Judith Bliss……………………………………………..Jo Foreman David Bliss……………………………………………..Ian Gay Myra Arundel………………………………………..Evelyn Rose Sorel Bliss……………………………………………….Barbara McIntyre Sandy Tyrrell…………………………………………..Alan Lander Richard Greatham………………………………….Alec Duncan Jackie Coryton……………………………………….Pat Walters Clara……………………………………………………….Del Armit Jenny (the Maid)……………………………………Auriol Raddon Albert Chivers…………………………………………Bob Kippin Producer…………………………………………………..Gertrude Pohlmeyer |
|
 Hay Fever review Townsville Daily Bulletin Fri 22 Oct 1954 |
|
| The article above reads: Rollicking Comedy in “Hay Fever” Noel Coward's sparkling three act comedy 'Hay Fever,' presented by the Townsville Theatrical Society provided a feast of humorous entertainment to patrons who attended the first of the three night season of the production in the Theatre Royal last night. Although it was largely attended, it was felt that a counter attraction, the combined schools concert, drew many would-be first night patrons. Rollicking humour strong in the inimitable Coward comedy kept the audience in a jovial mood throughout the entire performance. However, it was not until half way through the first act that the play really began. This was when the humorous vein of the play became evident. The story, based on the Bohemian Bliss family in rural England, depicts the comical situations which unfold when each member of the family, unknown to the others, invite their friends for the week-end, thus sorely taxing accommodation. Jo Foreman, who took the part of Judith Bliss, a retired actress yearning to be in the spotlight again, played a most convincing role. Her false actress emotions, brought on by seeing her husband David Bliss (Ian Gay) and his admirer Myra Arundel (Evelyn Rose) in a romantic situation, prompted a hilarious entanglement at the end of act two, which was easily the best act for vitality. Barbara Mclntyre, as the temperamental Sorel Bliss, gained first marks for her character acting and for being one who fully sustained her character part for the entire performance. Alan Lander, as a confused young athlete, Sandy Tyrrell, added zest to the scenes. His romantic hero worship of Judith Bliss in the first act set the play off to a good beginning. Alec Duncan as the polished traveller, Richard Greatham, and Pat Walters as Jackie Coryton both gave creditable performances. Del Armit, as Clara, played her role as the trite maid expertly. In a departure from comedy, Jo. Foreman added a gracious touch with a delightful song in act two. The stage settings were most appropriate in all scenes. The play will be continued to-night and tomorrow night. |
