Theatre: Blithe Spirit

3:41pm Friday 1st June 2007

A classic play by Noel Coward makes for a wonderful evening's entertainment at Watford Palace.

Medium Madame Arcati (Aicha Kossoko) visits the home of sceptic Charles Condomine (played by Simon Dutton) and his second wife Ruth (Tessa Churchard) to perform a séance, which the couple regard as a big joke. However, he soon stops laughing when the ghost of his first wife, Elvira, appears - seen only by him - and starts wreaking havoc.

Elvira, played by Emma Cleasby, is costumed in a flesh-coloured tea dress and, with her pale skin and hair, blends wonderfully with the beige and cream set, so she really appears ethereal.

Scenes with Charles and Ruth are masterpieces in comic timing, directed with flair by Matthew Lloyd.

Supporting actors Penelope Beaumont, Robin Hooper and Becky John are all excellent. Becky John's maid Edith is particularly amusing in the opening scenes, and she has a real flair for physical comedy (not to mention a beautiful singing voice).

Attention to detail regarding set and costumes is such that it is, at times, like watching an old black and white movie from the 1930s.

Designer Colin Falconer has excelled himself with a set that complements the performances beautifully, and even manages to steal the show right before the final curtain. This production had no weak links whatsoever, cast, crew, set, costume and, of course, the play itself were all first class.

Since the Palace reopened in 2004 I have not seen it put on a better show.

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