Blithe Spirit

It certainly was a very warm sunny Saturday afternoon in Rye which was bustling with visitors enjoying their alfresco vittals. Surely this was one of the reasons why the matinee performance did not attract a bigger audience that the Players certainly deserved. I was cheerfully greeted in the small foyer meeting by Secretary/F of H helper/props lady/costume lady Sandi Bain who also is my NODA contact. Thank you for your hospitality and kind attention when you had so many plates to juggle. A good, allocated seat was awaiting where I read the simple but informative A5 programme which included our NODA logo but no wording. I like the artwork with crystal ball on the front cover with a great descriptor ’a delightful cocktail of marriage, mediums and mischief’ – very apt for the proceedings.

An excellent 40’s living room was devised by Judy Wall and helpers for the Kent home of Charles and Ruth Condomine.  Neutral coloured, shaped half flats had a central archway which led to the unseen front door and other ground floor rooms. A typical floral sofa and chair of the era were set forward and to one side of the room was a fireplace complete with fireguard and companion set with shelf above were a strategically placed clock stood, a drinks cabinet for the serving of cocktails etc, a standard lamp and on the other side a moveable small table, chairs, stools and an angled curtained French window. Also most important downstage stood a wonderful windup gramophone housing 78’s. Good array of pictures and ornaments. Important too was at the rear side of archway a round light switch. Attention to details with props particularly with tea trays, drinks, and the laying up for breakfast by Edith the maid – all managed confidently.

The cast were well attired throughout and I just loved the eccentricity of cycling medium Madame Arcati in colourful trouser and jacket with matching turban and later a notable green beret ‘marvellous’  Mike Nower had a good team to direct and together with cast created some wonderful characters. Cleverly, funny written lines came across well even though the script contains outdated language and attitudes from a different time. Laura Grove developed a fine Edith, the maid replacement – enthusiastic with Ruth trying to slow her down! Nice to see her son Jacob taking on the role of ASM enjoying making sure the pictures were ready to ‘fall off the wall’ assisting Sally Klemen a very experienced SM.

Del Smith with much lighting and sound experience was working the desk at the rear of the hall. Some very well-timed noises off, and subtle lighting effects throughout changing from daylight to night  together with music cues. Sara Nower played a strong, solid Ruth with several costume changes, perfect hostess, the second wife to Charles who regretfully also ended up on the ‘other side.’ Charles the writer was portrayed by Bob Steen – he is researching for his latest book and sets up a gathering inviting Madame Arcati to see if ‘is anybody’s there’ session with the help of her controller little Daphne, crystal ball, a moving table and on a second attempt Elvira number one wife appears to him and to him only!! I congratulate Bob for his characterisation of Charles who carried on regardless sometimes on book but managed to maintain momentum.

Invited guests were Dr Bradman played by Ian Klemen giving the air of a caring family doctor, supported by a somewhat skittish Mrs B portrayed elegantly by Vienne Pattison. Venetia Sanders threw herself into the character of cycling commanding medium Madame Arcati, with wonderful movements around the stage and convincing collapses – very funny indeed. Ruth Gibson gave an impish performance portraying the ethereal appearance of Elvira appearing in a long pinkish/grey gown with gold sandals her long hair held back in a matching Alice band with excellent subtle ‘ghostly’ face paint make up. She moved lightly causing her mischievous chaos, with the cast reacting well to her being unseen only by Charles.

The good wordy script flowed, there were laughs and insights and hopefully a larger audience attendance to enjoy the efforts of the team for their final performance in the evening.

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