Over the years the popularity of a particular genre of drama at the Theatre Royal, Windsor, has seen the creation of more country house stage sets than an entire series of Downton Abbey, yet audiences never seem to tire of such productions.

There was further proof this week when a near-capacity crowd packed into the venue for one of the most celebrated of them all, Noel Coward’s Hay Fever.

The fact that there were very few empty seats for the opening night on Tuesday was particularly pleasing to see as this is the fourth in a season of six plays reviving Windsor’s celebrated links with repertory theatre.

This now rarely-seen form of entertainment involves the same hard-working and dedicated company of actors rehearsing and performing a series of plays over a limited season, taking on various roles in the different productions.

It’s a bold and intriguing move by the Theatre Royal, which first staged rep as long ago as 1938.

The six plays chosen are the work of some of Britain’s most treasured playwrights, from Daphne du Maurier to Alan Ayckbourn.

In true rep tradition, none of the actors taking part is a household name, but this has not deterred Windsor audiences from flocking to enjoy these nostalgic summer theatrical treats. The cast of nine involved in Hay Fever throw themselves whole-heartedly into the outrageous whimsy of it all.

First staged in 1925, the play has never gone out of fashion, despite the rather dated dialogue and references, and still contains much in which 21st century audiences can revel.

At the centre of everything is the Bliss family, an unconventional, egotistical bunch whose outrageous goings-on must have raised a few eyebrows 90 years ago but whose behaviour these days seems simply comical.

Paul Taylor-Mills production of “Hay Fever” at the Theatre Royal, Windsor, June 2015. Photo credit: John Walmsley

Nova Skipp as the over-theatrical mother, Judith, is a joy to behold, riding along on the crest of past glories and memories, sidestepping a plethora of barbed comments and giving back as good as she gets. Her vocal performance, accompanying herself on the piano - pronounced pea-are-no, of course - is one of the highlights of the night.

Francis Adams as her novel-writing husband David makes a huge contribution to the Bohemian-ness of it all, his wooing techniques creating great mirth.

Evie Lockley, as the pert daughter Sorel and John Askew as the foppish son Simon, both appear to revel in their roles, while Julie Ross as long-suffering housekeeper Clara exhibits just the right blend of acceptance of the family’s activities and doleful resignation at her lot.

The plot revolves round the misunderstandings and mischievousness following the arrival of four unsuspecting guests, separately invited for the weekend by the four members of the Bliss family to their house, overlooking the Thames at Cookham.

Ethan Chapples is a perfectly dapper Sandy Tyrell, Hannah Vesty is feisty woman-of-the-world Myra Arundel, Russell Anthony is suitably bemused diplomat Richard Greathan, while Sarah Dungworth completes the quartet of confused guests with a very amusing portrayal of a nervous and slightly scatty Jackie Coryton.

It’s a hugely enjoyable evening and a chance to see one of Noel Coward’s masterpieces performed by an eager and talented team.

Just one criticism - the cast need to speak out a little more loudly. There’s no doubt that many people in the audience were struggling to hear some sections of the dialogue.

As the cheers dies down when the cast had taken their well-earned applause, Francis Adams, no stranger to the area as he attended school locally and worked a a photographer in Windsor for many years, stepped forward to thank the audience for their attendance and for supporting the concept of repertory theatre.

There was a further nice touch when members of the cast lined the foyer as the audience departed to thank each and every person for coming. Now that’s not something you see every week!

Next week’s offering (Tuesday June 23 until Saturday June 27) is Alan Aykbourn’s Joking Apart, while Amy’s View, by David Hare, completes the venue’s repertory season from Tuesday June 30 until Saturday July 4.

There are special ticket prices for the plays. Contact the box office on 01753 853888 or www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk .