Blithe Spirit

As I headed out to the lovely Barn Theatre, Swaffham, for the Swaffham Players 2016 play, I couldn’t stop thinking about last year’s incredible production of ‘Steel Magnolias’ and, inevitably, how hard an act it would be to follow. Well the Director then, was the Director now, and the very talented Marcie Loan had selected Noel Coward’s evergreen classic ‘Blithe Spirit’.
This really is a good venue for a play and the Swaffham Players set (John Dawkins, Bridget Dumbrell, Marcie Loan and Roy Ivory) was spot on as it had been last time out. Costumes (Maureen Silver and Rodger Bilverstone) were straightforward enough with complimentary hair and makeup (Hollie Day) doing everything they needed to.
The story really should need no telling but for those who have been away … since the 40’s, Writer Charles and his second wife Ruth throw a dinner party for neighbours Dr and Mrs Bradman. The star guest is local Psychic, Madame Arcarti and sceptical Charles hopes to learn a few tricks of the trade for his new book. Unfortunately, Madame Arcarti proves to be the real deal and Charles's first wife is brought back from the spirit world.
I have seen four Blithe Spirits since taking on the role of NODA Regional Representative, and whilst they have been of varying quality, the main problem with this piece remains the same - too many words over too long a period with not enough action. It just seems to me that the world has moved on a bit since Mr Coward penned his masterpiece. Having said all that, there were solid performances from Stuart Travis and  Nicky Dawkins as the Bradmans’ and a wonderful scene-stealing cameo from the mighty talent that is Sue Baxter as demented maid, Edith.
Maureen Silver is also a very talented actress and her characterisation of second wife Ruth was excellent. The large amount of dialogue did give her some problems with a few of the many prompts going her way. Fairing rather better in the sea of words was Victor Tucker as main protagonist, Charles who, like fine wine, continues to improve with age. Mr Tucker has always been good within his range but this part was not at all his usual thing. You would not have known that however, as he delivered a really good performance  with very little help from the ‘man in the corner’.
She is not just a great Director, Marcie Loan is also a superb actress and taking the part of deceased wife Elvira, she was once again on top form leading her cast from the front.
Penultimate paragraph honours were never in doubt as the female lead was played with some considerable style … by a man! Middle aged, spinster of the Parish, Madame Arcarti, was brought to life as never before by the outstanding Rodger Bilverstone, who really looked great in a tweed skirt. His female mannerisms were frighteningly realistic and he commanded the stage in a way I have never seen him do before.
Congratulations to the Swaffham Players and to Director, Marcie Loan for adding her ‘Blithe Spirit’ to those that have gone before and doing  it well. The play itself (as I mentioned before) is way too long and a little lost in time and this production suffered from rather too many prompts. As I headed into the night and the short journey home, I spared a thought for John Hooker in the corner who must have been exhausted. However, the perfomances were all pretty good and the comedy that was spread throughout the script found its target more often than not. 

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