Blithe Spirit

This extremely popular comic play by Noel Coward first appeared in London’s West End in 1941 and since then there have been many adaptations of it for film, radio, television and even as a musical; several stage revivals have also taken place. Writer Charles Condomine (played by Michael Barron) is seeking information about the occult for inclusion in his next novel. Together with his second wife Ruth (played by Emma Dobbs) they organise a small dinner party to which Dr. Bradman (played by Jed Laxton) and his wife (played by Fiona Parish) are to be invited. The Condomine’s new and inexperienced maid, Edith (played by Emily Deans) is to wait on them. Charles also invites Madame Arcati, an eccentric and extrovert local medium (played by Mandie Collier) to attend and conduct a séance after the meal. As a result of Madame Arcati’s question “Is there anybody there?” Charles' first wife Elvira appears, but only Charles can see and hear her. Understandably, Ruth is not at all comfortable with this situation and seeks to have it changed. However, further intervention by Madame Arcati brings about a somewhat dangerous and unforeseen occurrence which is unlikely to please anyone, though it does seem to confirm her ability to communicate with the spirit world. The well-cast players, who were all attired in costumes from the early 1940’s, delivered competent performances as their respective characters. The set, styled as the interior of a country house, was a masterpiece of design and construction in which the poltergeists were later able to wreak havoc. It was obvious that a great deal of preparation had occurred prior to this show and the entire production team are to be commended for this splendid effort. I am aware from conversations I had with Mandie Collier some 15 years ago that she really wanted to play the part of Madame Arcati and although I have never in all that time seen her anywhere near a cycle, the way in which she promoted her premonition of a puncture was most memorable! Congratulations to all who were involved in the staging of this marvellously funny play.

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