Blithe Spirit

This play was originally a 1945 British fantasy comedy film and based on Noel Coward’s 1941 play of the same name and directed by David Lean from which comes the immortal line ”Hail to Thee Blithe Spirit, Bird that never Wert” from the poem “To a Skylark” written by Percy Bysshe Shelley.

A good set in the studio with period style furniture in a living room setting gave authenticity to the production.  I must compliment the company on the use of props and the quality which are always first class and add so much to the performance.

The seven characters in the play were very diverse and worked well as a team.

The part of Ruth was played by Gemma Quinn taking on this role, we were told, with short notice. Gemma did very well in playing a main character and also directing the production.

Lewis Rodger, as her husband Charles, was excellent with very clear delivery of his dialogue and a natural easy manner on stage.

Darrell Scott, as Dr Bradman, gave a quiet portrayal of a medic but with some great lines well placed.

Wendy Todd, as his wife, was rather an unbending character, and yet it worked well alongside the other actors.

Linda Potter as the very subservient maid of all work, was trying to please at all times with, it seemed, many demands from her employers.

Richard Kemp-Luck as the colourful character Madame Arcati was very convincing in a character we have come to link with the late Margaret Rutherford.

His vocal achievements as a very eccentric lady was good.   I would have liked rather a more “arty” way out manner of dress to compliment the feel of Madame Arcati.   Her character is sometimes played as a very rural country lady but Richard’s costumes were a little too ordinary and correct.

Katherine Johnson as Elvira was a delight.   Playing in a very whimsical style with floaty graceful movements, it was lovely to watch and the humour came over well.

I felt some of the timings between characters were not quite slick enough, but it was the first night of the show so I am sure they would sharpen up in futher performances.

Also the modulation of voices with some of the cast needed to vary more from anger and emotions to rise from normal to loud, rather than the same level at all times.

A really good effort for a most enjoyable production and a classic play which never fails to please the audience.

Thank you for your hospitality, and good to meet up with the company again.

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