REVIEW - BLITHE SPIRIT

Show Up! Southend attended the opening night of Southend Drama Society’s production of “Blithe Spirit” last night!

“Blithe Spirit” tells the story of a ghost, Elwira, who has been summoned by eccentric medium, Madame Arcati.

Charles Condomine, a writer, has asked Madam Arcati to attend a dinner so he can gather research for his next novel. Both he and his wife and their friends the Bradmans enjoy the theatre of the séance assuming it won’t be effective…

This ghost however is the ex wife of Charles, who is now married to his new wife Ruth. When summoned Elwira cannot be seen by Ruth and so Charles has an ordeal communicating to them both, regularly upsetting his current wife. More madness ensues throughout the play…

An obvious classic piece by Noel Coward but perhaps because of its age feels slow starting. And with three acts in total the first half is quite long. There may be merit in speeding up the pace of the first scene to get to the action. As the play really kicks in with the arrival of the rest of the cast,

There were very strong, consistent, performances from the entire cast. Each character felt well formed and developed. Perhaps potential for a bigger range of reactions particularly in the comic moments and during the disagreements. But overall a solid performance by all.

‘Blithe Spirit’ is perhaps known equally for itself as a play as for the character of Madame Arcati. An incredible role for any actress – and Zena Butt grabs the opportunity fully. Full of joy throughout, her floaty movements and piercing expressions successfully getting lots of laughs from the audience.

Plus a shout out to Juliet Banks who brings energy and a realness to the character of Mrs Bradman with very little to play with text wise and a great performance from Linda Finch as the maid throughout.

This play has many moments for comedy, both from the text and through physicality. So a mention too to Sophie Acton and Claire Rattenberry as the two wives. Both had several moments of perfection; where their characterisation, timing and delivery of a punch line was spot on. I feel as they settle into the run more of these will become apparent.

Particular congratulations to the tech and creative team as the props and special effects were brilliant, as were the costumes. The set too looked great – although at times the cast’s movement seemed to be inhibited slightly by the furniture, but considering the tight space it all worked well.

This production runs until Saturday at the Dixon Studio in Southend. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS