Blithe Spirit

It is quite some time since I have seen this play and was looking forward to this production. Being a studio theatre there is no proscenium arch nor curtains so as we took our seats we were able to admire the set. This was a well designed and built set, a good solid box set well decorated in period with some very good pieces of furniture and an excellent selection of props, both for dressing the set and for the cast to use. Only a modern light switch in sight and a record player hidden in a cabinet making it appear a period piece. Thought and care obviously used throughout. An open arch upstage into a hall way and well-constructed French Windows stage left, being central to the plot, were the two entrances to the stage. The furniture was well placed allowing the actors plenty of space and for movement on stage.

Knowing that a maid appears throughout it was interesting to see that the role was re-named as Edwin and played in very camp way by Lewis Goakes. I suspect that now, Noel Coward, who never publicly acknowledged his homosexuality would have approved of this portrayal which was an amusing and entertaining performance. Lewis appeared very comfortable in this role although I felt that I was more interested in his acting as he prepared coffee and sugar at the table rather than listening to the conversation taking place on the sofa.

Of the four principals there is nothing but compliments for Eddie Smith – Charles, well matched with his current wife Michelle Hodgett as Ruth and his first wife Elvira played by Amanda Villemayor. These three gave strong performances, clearly spoken, good volume, rise and fall of tone as required, comfortable on stage. It’s not always easy acting opposite someone that is apparently not supposed to be in front of you but this was carried off well. Here Heather Knapp excelled as Madame Arcarti with a great voice and a wonderful and witty performance with great movement and actions, quite believable as a batty and eccentric Medium.

The comedy was well shown and comedic lines were delivered with care and thought, some being more subtle than others but brought the expected re-actions from the audience, these four characters were complemented by the more sober Harvey Jones and Georgia Banks as Dr and Mrs. Bradman who played their roles well.

I had the pleasure of sitting next to Director Tracy Sortwell and I would not have believed that this was her directorial debut. This was a well-planned production, with good lighting, sound and movement. I had expectations of Elvira looking more ethereal however well-fitting period style costumes and wigs that were striking gave a good look to the show. A good choice of music throughout even allowing for the fact that ‘Always’ by Irving Berlin is featured in the script. The manifestation of the spirits at the end with pictures, books, ornaments moving, the banging shut of the gramophone lid, the swaying of the ‘chandelier’ (I was hoping for a phantom moment!) gave an atmospheric ending.

Congratulations to all for an entertaining evening.

 

 

 

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