Blithe Spirit

The music chosen to accompany this play” Danse Macabre” by Saint-Saens set the tone for this very well written and much loved play by Noel Coward.
The set was of a high standard with every detail covered.
Edith the maid did a splendid job; always in a rush and a bit dippy, her facial expressions showed everything she was thinking (or not!). Ruth, Charles wife made a convincing and at times, hard done by, wife bewildered by her husband’s strange behaviour particularly after Elvira “appeared”.
Charles was a very commanding presence immediately he came on stage and began to speak. He had the typical clipped accent that Noel Coward used for his heroes. A very polished performance and one of the best depictions of Charles Condomine that I have seen. Doctor Bradman gave a good performance as the archetypal family doctor complemented well by Mrs Bradman I particularly liked the way Mrs Bradman gave that wry little smile that depicted the character very well. Madame Arcati looked every inch the somewhat dotty medium and coming through the main hall with her bike was a good touch, however her performance was marred somewhat by the need for several prompts. She tripped over her lines particularly when it really mattered in the climax of the play which was a pity, but none the less a commendable effort. Elvira played the role with the great style and mischievousness required for the part. An excellent portrayal.
The effects with lights flickering and things falling off the walls was done to great effect and the costumes looked really authentic. The dresses of the “spirits” were very well done. My congratulations to the Director Jeff Hutchinson, it must have been great fun in rehearsals and the finished product certainly pleased the very appreciative audience. 

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