Blithe Spirit

The first icy blast of winter beset the later stages of this production, followed rapidly by Storm Bert for the final performances, but Dorchester Drama continued with aplomb to deliver community theatre to a local audience.

Star of the show is Edith, whose comic timing, facial expressions and physical interpretation are perfect for the turbo-charged maid, touchingly desperate to win the approval of her employers.  Madame Arcati is amusingly energetic as the eccentric spiritual medium, inadvertently summoning and incompetently exorcising the spirits of Condomine’s wives. Mrs Bradman makes an excellent and intelligent contribution as the doctor’s young wife, ably bringing the character to life in the few lines provided for her, creating a personality more believably than many an experienced actor. Elvira Condomine, is spitefully ethereal, wafting across the stage with intent; her counterpart as the injured wife Ruth is convincingly exasperated and shrewish in retaliation.  Charles Condomine, the suave author researching spiritualism for his next novel, tackled the challenges of multi-tasking drinks and dialogue commendably.  Dr Bradman was suitably bemused by the apparent ramblings of Condomine. 

Despite severe weather-related delays in getting into the venue, the set was well-built, very attractive with its hand-stencilled design and authentically dressed. Considering the lack of technical rehearsal time, the actors did well to inhabit the space fairly naturally in this first performance, using all the stage available; set props were adjusted efficiently to suit the changing action. Lighting was effective, the actors’ faces were clearly lit and contours enhanced; flickering firelight provided an atmospheric touch.  Sound effects were clear and delivered punctually; the use of sound to indicate the arrival of the ghostly Elvira was effective in distinguishing the temporal and spiritual characters. 

Props were appropriate to the period and handled well, especially by the maid, Edith.  One of the advantages of using a round table for the seance is that the cloth has no corners, although in this case, the oval tablecloth seemed determined to have a life of its own until efficiently brought under control by stage management. 

Costumes were most attractive, with each of the characters well-dressed and in contemporary style; Ruth was particularly elegant.

Overall, a little more pace would provide the slickness which makes for a truly polished comedy, but full marks to all actors for clear diction, we could hear every word.  Congratulations on seeing it through against the odds, to present an amusing evening’s entertainment.

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