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
Cast (in order of appearance) | |
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 |
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