Blithe Spirit

by Noel Coward and directed by David Bartlett

The Maskers Theatre Company presented Blithe Spirit written by Noel Coward and directed by David Bartlett at the Plaza Theatre, Romsey in 1987.

The Director wrote;

Noel Coward was born within a few days of the turn of the 20th Century. After deciding at the age of ten that he would become an actor, he went on to dominate, theatrically, the first half of the century. The 1920's and 1930's saw his phenomenal rise to fame, not only as an actor, but as as a singer, writer, composer, director and producer. His talent ranged from high drama (The Vortex) to very light comedies (Private Lives) and from dreamy romance (Bitter Sweet) to knock-about farce (Red Peppers). At the outbreak of World War II he made strenuous efforts to be considered foe war work of importance but was finally persuaded that his best contribution would be to employ his 'talent to amuse'. In May 1941, he went to the pseudo-Italian village of Portmerion in Wales and after six days returned with 'Blithe Spirit'. In later years he was to consider it his best play. After the war, as tastes changed, he was never to enjoy the same measure of success again. He died in Jamaica in 1973. He once wrote (family album), "May our touch on life be lighter than seabird's feather". Outwardly, at least, it was true of him and is the spirit that pervades most of his comedies.

David Bartlett.

 

Photographs

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Mrs Bradley, Dr Bradley, Madame Arcati

 

The Cast

          Charles Condomine            Jim Smith
           Elvira            Linda Edwards
          Ruth            Mollie Manns
          Madame Arcati            Shiela Clark
          Dr Bradley            Albert Minns
         Mrs Bradley            Hazel Burrows
         Edith            Jean Durnan

For The Maskers

Director

David Bartlett

Production Assistant

Jan Ward

Stage Manager

Iain Coleman

Props

Ella Lockett

Costumes

Helen Officer

Sound

Lawrie Gee, Sarah Cunningham

Lighting

Ron Tillyer, Robert Brooks

Set Design

Ken Spencer

Set Construction

Edwin Beechcroft, Douglas Coates, John Riggs