Emma Sweeney and Patrick Neylan in BLT’s January 2016 production of Blithe Spirit, directed by Stevie Hughes. (Photo: Dave Jones / www.ashleighvideo.co.uk)
Fri 15 – Sat 23 January 2016 at 7.45pm (no show Sun 17)
Blithe Spirit
by Noël Coward
Directed by Stevie Hughes
• BLT’s Blithe Spirit featured on London Live!
As research for his next novel, Charles Condomine engages a medium, Madame Arcati, to conduct a séance but inadvertently, she raises the ghost of his late, first wife, Elvira. For Ruth – Charles’s current wife – Elvira’s resurrection is no laughing matter, particularly since the neurotic spirit seems only too eager to reclaim her husband – whether it be in this world or the next.
Noël Coward is one of the truly great comic writers of British theatre and his trademark sharp wit, piercing eye for relationships and unforgettable characters are in abundance in this comedy classic. Of his own plays, Blithe Spirit was Coward’s favourite and for 15 years, it held the record for the longest-running show in the West End.
CAST:
Ruth Condomine : Emma Sweeney
Edith : Deborah Hedges
Charles Condomine : Patrick Neylan
Dr. Bradman : Paul Green
Mrs. Bradman : Ann Morgan
Madame Arcati : Karen O’Neill
Elvira Condomine : Holly Hewitt
Dear Emma,
On behalf of everyone at St Christopher’s Hospice, a big thank you for giving us the opportunity last night to benefit from the preview night of Blithe Spirit.
Everyone I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed the performance and below is a reply I just received from the email I sent out to everyone who attended. I am delighted to say an impressive £1,014 was raised for the hospice.
Please do pass my thanks onto everyone involved at the BLT and best of luck with the remaining performances.
With warm wishes,
Nicola Howard
– Fundraising Assistant, St Christopher’s Hospice
“I thought the performance was absolutely brilliant last night. The actors were amazing and word perfect. I had a brilliant evening and was so glad that I broke the mould of not usually going out in the week!! Thank you for organising!”