Blithe Spirit

Hope and District Independent Theatre perform a Spirited and Stylish Performance of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit

Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward, Bradwell Memorial Hall - 14th–16th May 2026

Directed by Stephen Kettle. Produced by Carolyn Garwes

Having never attended a production at Bradwell Memorial Hall before, I was delighted to have the opportunity to see HADIT’s (Hope and District Independent Theatre) latest production, Noel Coward’s classic comedy Blithe Spirit.

Before the curtain rose, director Stephen Kettle gave an introduction in which he praised the dedication and resilience of the cast and crew, who had overcome a series of challenges following the flooding at their usual venue. Their perseverance and teamwork were evident throughout the evening, resulting in a production warmly appreciated by an enthusiastic audience.

As the great red swagged curtains opened, they revealed an impressively professional stage set: a sophisticated middle-class drawing room, rich in period detail and perfectly evocative of 1940s England. The elegant set not only transported the audience back in time but also cleverly concealed special effects that would later play an important role in the supernatural proceedings.

Written and set in 1941, Blithe Spirit tells the story of novelist Charles Condomine, who invites the eccentric local psychic Madame Arcati to conduct a séance in his home as research for his latest book. Present alongside Charles are his wife Ruth and their dinner guests, Dr and Mrs Bradman. The unexpected summoning of Charles’s deceased first wife, Elvira, unleashes a chain of comic chaos and emotional turmoil, prompting Coward to describe the play as “an improbable farce in three acts.” Beneath its humour, the play also explores themes of love, jealousy, power and, of course, the supernatural.

Brent Storey gave a strong performance as Charles Condomine, initially presenting him as a suave and self-assured figure, his smoking jacket evoking Noel Coward himself. As events spiralled beyond his control, Storey convincingly charted Charles’s descent into increasing desperation and helplessness.

Lesley Tattersall portrayed Ruth with strength and poise, capturing the character’s frustration and determination as she verbally sparred with the playful yet persistent Elvira.

Jo Elliott, as the ghostly Elvira, carried the role with complete believability and was central to much of the production’s humour, skilfully balancing mischief and charm while provoking both Charles and Ruth in equal measure.

Janet Skirrow’s Madame Arcati was a delight; convincingly eccentric and entirely committed to the role of the enthusiastic, self-assured psychic. Her energetic characterisation and commanding stage presence brought much of the play’s comic momentum.

Jane Bramwell gave an engaging performance as Mrs Bradman, effectively portraying a woman gradually finding the courage to stand up to her overbearing husband, well played by Nick Williams.

Meanwhile, Fiona Johnston’s Edith, the newly recruited housemaid, provided welcome physical comedy. Her enthusiastic and well-timed slapstick moments offered light relief and helped enliven the scene changes.

The set worked particularly hard, as all the action takes place within the same room. Clever use of lighting around the central archway and French doors allowed the audience to imagine the unseen spaces beyond, while also heightening the dramatic impact of entrances and exits. Audio and visual effects, including billowing curtains and subtle lighting changes, were used to excellent effect, building anticipation for each ghostly manifestation.  Makeup and costume design further enhanced the supernatural atmosphere.

Costumes and hairstyles were beautifully chosen and entirely appropriate to the period, adding another layer of authenticity to the production. One audience member was overheard approvingly remarking on the “fashion show” of glamorous outfits, a sentiment many would surely have shared.

This production of Blithe Spirit was a testament to the talent, determination and collaborative spirit of the HADIT cast and crew following their problems arising from the change of venue.  Their hard work was evident, and they delivered an entertaining performance that was warmly appreciated by the enthusiastic audience.

Jan Hardy

15th May