AN amateur troupe take to the stage for their first performance in a proper theatre for a production of a Noel Coward play. Led by tireless former professional actor Jenny Konko, the Victoria Park Players bring Hay Fever to the Hackney Empire for two nigh

AN amateur troupe take to the stage for their first performance in a proper theatre for a production of a Noel Coward play.

Led by tireless former professional actor Jenny Konko, the Victoria Park Players bring Hay Fever to the Hackney Empire for two nights next week.

Formed five years ago, the players have performed two al-fresco versions of A Midsummer Night's Dream in Victoria Park, three pantomimes and The Vagina Monologues.

But Hay Fever, the comic play written by Coward in 1924, will be the first time the troupe has performed on the big stage.

Best described as a cross between high farce and a comedy of manners, the play is set in an English country house in the 1920s.

It deals with the four eccentric members of the Bliss family and their outlandish behaviour when they each invite a guest to spend the weekend.

Performances take place at the Hackney Empire in Mare Street at 7.30pm on July 8 and 9. The optional dress code is 1920s.

Tickets from the box office on 020 8985 2424.