Stephanie Cottle saw Blithe Spirit summoned onto The Grand Theatre’s stage, where Noel Coward’s mischievous 1941 comedy about life, death and love from beyond the grave charmed its opening night audience.
Written in just five days during the Second World War, Blithe Spirit first appeared at a time when the country was in grief. To write a comedy about death during wartime was undeniably bold. Director Anthony Banks acknowledges the play’s origins in his programme note and I agree, it still gives the piece its power. Still, it has to be mentioned some of the gender politics are distinctly pre-war.
What outweighs some outdated themes is the sheer craft in this production. When the curtain rose the audience immediately gave a round of applause and I for one couldn’t help but smile. Terry Parsons’ design was absolutely gorgeous and by far the most inviting home set I’ve ever seen. Tonnes of warm lighting, subtle period detailing and furniture so plush my stall seat got jealous. I would have happily haunted that space forever too — I’m sure that was the real reason that even in death, the women wanted to stick around.
Adam Jackson-Smith made for a bewildered Charles Condomine, all quick retorts and rising panic, while Jenny Rainsford’s Ruth brought sharp intelligence and exasperation. Susan Wooldridge’s Madame Arcati, my favourite performance of the evening, was pure delight — eccentric, yet utterly in command of the moment that sets everything in motion for the rest of the play.
It’s a good job the play keeps a light tone, as when the tension reached its eerie peak and Madame Arcati stretched her arms to the heavens to ask if anyone wished to make contact, a mobile phone went off loudly in the auditorium. In light of the season, I chose to believe it was a message from beyond the veil. My message? Put your phones on silent people. To their credit, the cast held the moment perfectly with not a flicker of lost focus.
While some of Blithe Spirit’s attitudes now belong to another world, it is fitting that the play returns to The Grand, a theatre with deep ties to Coward’s wartime legacy. His work offered laughter amidst uncertainty and this revival continues the tradition. It’s a lively, polished production with bags of elegance and enough ghostly mischief to keep us spooky fiends content.
Blithe Spirit continues its run at Blackpool Grand Theatre until Saturday 1st November. Tickets can be booked here
