Blithe Spirit

Synopsis

Charles Condomine, a successful author, is happily married to Ruth. To collect material for his latest book he invites Madam Acarti, the medium, to conduct a seance at his home unwittingly releasing the ghost of his first wife Elvira who it would appear wants him back! One of Coward's great comedies.

Our Review:

15 December 2009

Everyone loves a ghost story, especially one that can be taken with a pinch of salt. Noel Coward knew this when he wrote Blithe Spirit, his light-hearted play which debuted in 1941 and is now playing at the Royal Exchange Theatre for the festive season.

Set in 1931, the play has not dated as it remains a well written, if somewhat wordy piece. It therefore requires briskly delivered dialogue, deft movements and complicated special effects all of which the cast and backstage crew achieve,  effortlessly and with panache.

The plot centres on Charles Condomine (Milo Twomey), a socialite and novelist who marries Ruth after the death of his first wife, Elvira. Suranne Jones (formerly Karen McDonald in Coronation Street) plays Ruth, the innocent second wife.

Their marital bliss is interrupted when Madame Arcati, an extrovert medium, arrives at Charles’ invitation to amu...

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Latest User Review

Louise - 25 January 2010:

I went to see this play,having seen an amateur version in Burton Leonard.I was enchanted with the set,the special effects and particularly Madame Arcati,who reminded me of the original film with Margaret Rutherford. I did feel let down by Charles,as I felt he did not have the "tour de force" required for the role. I thoroughly enjoyed the "in the round" experience and would love to go again...

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