Blithe Spirit

Even before the play commenced the audience could not fail to be impressed by the set. It transformed the Village Hall into the lounge of someone’s house.The stage dressing was first class and the props were excellent.

Now to the play itself. A beautifully cast production with the right person in the right part. Husband Charles Condomine (Andy Cholerton) and playing his second wife Ruth (Nikki Ellis). Their dinner guests Dr Bradman (John Bingham) and his wife Mrs Bradman (Rachel Goodson). Edith, the maid (Sammi Rhead) was suitably vague and had to keep being reminded not to rush around the house like an express train. Then along came Elvira (Ali Hughes) to throw a spanner in the works! She was definitely ghost like and full credit to Kelsey Dornan for the specialist make-up. It was very effective.

The visitor to the house Madame Arkati (Fiona Bingham) arrived to inject mystery and mayhem. An actor younger than one usually sees playing the part but with her slim figure and her dance training, Fiona was delightful. She showed her versatility and her comedy talents shone especially when she was in a trance. Not once during the play did I remember that Margaret Rutherford had played this famous role on film and most playgoers automatically think of her when seeing this play.

I would think every playgoer knows the story of the man of the house and his two wives in “Blithe Spirit” and this was a joyful production. Full of laughs, scary moments and amazing special effects for the closing scene. 

Full credit must be given to the stage crew. No weaknesses anywhere and as always at Codsall great imagination shown with the set and properties. All controlled very effectively by Stage Manager Dan Harper.

Thanks for the warm welcome and kind hospitality from Colin Peterson and the Front of House team

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