Blithe Spirit

For his directorial debut Gary Clifton picked a 1937 Noel Coward classic, Blithe Spirit and with the assistance of Glen Hall and this talented cast he produced a supernatural evening’s entertainment. As usual with this group as soon as the curtains opened, we were immediately transported to the living room of Mr and Mrs Charles Condomine, a well decorated and good looking set.

As Edith, the Condomine’s recently appointed maid, Kathryn Canty-Diggins makes her stage debut and does a very competent job. She maintained this comic character's quirky nature throughout and, in the scene, where all is revealed, she held her own with her more experienced fellow actors.

Ruth Condomine (Nicola Gilbert), the second wife of Charles, gave an impressive, assured and confident performance. Looking every part, the 1930s middle to upper class lady in her elegant gowns she looked comfortable, whether playing the devoted wife or arguing with someone she could not see.

Charles Condomine (Lee Johnson) is the hub of the story and if you need someone to carry this off, then Lee is always a reliable choice. His suave, sophisticated character moved through the play with ease as he dealt with the many spirited personal issues that evolve.  

Two extra people are needed at the séance and they are the long -standing friends of the Condomines. Dr and Mrs Bradman (Mike Quenby and Janet Hignett). These two are slightly mis-matched and as such they can both add something different to the play. Dr Bradman, because of his scientific training make him sceptical but interested. Mrs Bradman is far chattier and a little bit scattier and is not as well educated as her husband. All these traits were well presented by both of these experienced actors.

The story needs an eccentric, larger-than-life character to portray Spiritualist Madame Arcati and Philippa Baillie did this with relish. As she passes from Trances to cucumber sandwiches and ectoplasm to little Daphne, she has the opportunity to show off her far from “Medium” acting prowess.

Finally, we need the Blithe Spirit, Elvira, and she was well played by Lucy Connor. Her casual and cheerful indifference and her yearning for the gay life are beautifully illustrated by her performance. You cannot help but like Elvira and even her final act of trying to kill Charles, still does not make you change your feelings towards her.

This wordy, comic piece will give the “full house” audiences a treat and I am sure they will leave in high spirits.  

   

    

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