BLITHE SPIRIT. To 16 June.
Watford
BLITHE SPIRIT
by Noel Coward
Palace Theatre To 16 June 2007
Mon-Sat 7.45pm Mat 2, 9 June 3pm 6 June 2.30pm
Audio-described 9 June 3pm
Captioned 12 June
Post-show discussion 12 June
Runs 2hr 35min One interval
TICKETS: 01923 225671
www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
Review: Timothy Ramsden 30 May
A fine theatrical manifestation.
Novelist Charles Condomine’s on his second marriage when his revenant first wife is summoned-up in a séance supposedly aimed at providing source material for a novel. Watford’s programme lists the spiritually sceptical characters, and Matthew Lloyd’s intriguing production shows how they, Charles and his guests, Dr Bradman and his wife, have their easy assumptions – and Charles his whole life - shaken.
Robin Hooper’s Bradman is clearly the roost-ruler at home. It’s evident in his orders to Penelope Beaumont’s smilingly compliant wife, and his self-assured range of facial expression, from sociably sceptical smiles to tight-drawn distaste.
How different for Charles, who finds himself increasingly beleaguered by Elvira, with all the freedom of the spirit-world, and, increasingly, second wife Ruth with whom he’d seemed so domestically at ease. Simon Dutton moves from confident suavity to temper-loss, then final gloating as he sets out to freedom himself while his women-folk turn to angry poltergeists.
Their impact’s taken out on Colin Falconer’s elegantly spacious, tasteful set, with its suggestion of a dilettante lifestyle – some books, some porcelain, some silverware spread tastefully over extensive shelves.
Tessa Churchard’s Ruth builds on the aptness for Coward’s dialogue Churchard displayed in a Coward double-bill in Liverpool in 2004: brittle, crystal-cut and rapid. Emma Cleasby’s fine Elvira , ethereally grey in make-up, dress and lighting, contrasts her in the confidence of someone in control, with sparkling smiles and petulant moments.
Aicha Kossoko’s spirit-medium Madame Arcati is a vibrant, energetic creation. Casting a Black performer means the usually fussy, easily-patronised character becomes someone more imposing, especially in Kossoko’s forceful embodiment, vocally and physically possessing the room. It’s an interpretation which, with the French accent, is less immediately humorous but which stiffens the progress of Coward’s intricate plot, while providing a centre round which the Condomines whirl in increasing comic confusion.
And Becky John proves that while there may be small actors and small roles, neither need prevent a large impact. Her nervous Welsh maid makes the most of comic moments (hiding behind her huge tray when the Condomines fight) and provides a touchingly-felt resolution to the mystery of the manifestations.
Mrs Bradman: Penelope Beaumont
Elvira Condomine: Emma Cleasby
Ruth Condomine: Tessa Churchard
Charles Condomine: Simon Dutton
Dr Bradman: Robin Hooper
Edith: Becky John
Madame Arcati: Aicha Kossoko
Director: Matthew Lloyd
Designer: Colin Falconer
Lighting: Charles Balfour
Sound: John Leonard
2007-06-01 00:18:27