Blithe Spirit written by Noel Coward, directed by Jane Barth
01/05/27 - 08/05/27
Time: 19:30
Many will be familiar with the plays of Noël Coward – they are frequently on our stages and
screens. They’re witty, sharp, and well observed. There are five in the cast of Blithe Spirit
(see below). For the audience to be able to appreciate Coward’s humour, the dialogue
needs to move along at a good pace - there are few pauses or long speeches.
Blithe Spirit is set in the home of Charles and Ruth Condomine, somewhere in Kent. Coward
wrote the play in 1941 but there is no sign of war in the Condomine’s comfortable living
room: when Edith, the maid, remembers Mrs Condomine’s instrctions, all is well-ordered
and peaceful. The room is set to welcome guests who are coming to dinner ….
Charles and his attractive second wife, Ruth, have invited neighbours to dinner to meet a special guest: Madam Arcati, a medium. Charles is writing a book on the theme of the occult and this is part of his research. Madam Arcati is very serious about her mystic skills and is happy to oblige – especially for a nice dinner. However, the séance brings back the ghost of
Charles’s first wife, Elvira! Havoc ensues!!!