This excellent production, first seen as part of the Theatre Royal Bath summer season 2019 is back.
Blithe Spirit is without question like vintage champagne and it returns triumphant, with a little more fizz and fun than before.
One of Coward’s more popular plays, it is a glorious comedy of the struggling author Charles Condomine. He holds a dinner party and summons the local psychic to perform a séance as material for his new novel; things do not go to plan as his deceased first wife returns and causes mayhem.
The cast are in sparkling form, directed with great style by Richard Eyre.
Jennifer Saunders (Mdme Arcarti) steals the show with a masterclass in physical comedy. Rose Wardlaw (Edith) is hugely engaging whilst the Condomine household are left in chaos by the sensual and beautiful Emma Naomi (Elvira) Geoffrey Streatfeild (Charles) with Lisa Dillon (Ruth) alongside Lucy Robinson (Mrs. Bradman) and Simon Coates (Dr. Bradman) create a fine team.
Whilst Coward’s dialogue is handled at a fierce pace nothing is lost in this energetic and entertaining show.
The imposing drawing room set designed by Anthony Ward is atmospherically lit by Howard Harrison.
This is a production of great class, the onward journey to London will no doubt see more full houses and an equally enthusiastic reception as it travels on.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
Blithe Spirit, by Noel Coward and directed by Richard Eyre, is showing at the Theatre Royal in Bath until Saturday 8th February 2020.
For more information and tickets, visit the Theatre Royal website.