Blythe Spirit

Noël Coward makes a welcome return to the Gold Coast with Tugun’s production of Blythe Spirit. Director Jillian Rawlings has assembled a stellar cast for this popular classic.

As the whimsical clairvoyant Madam Arcati, Del Halpin turns in another great performance – her “trance” antics are reminiscent of a Midnight Oil Concert. “Under the thumb” Charles Condamine (Bill Cox) has to deal with two wives; his current partner Ruth - Maria Thompson and the ghost of his demanding previous wife Elvira - Pamela Payne. Darren Campbell and Judy Newman are the friendly Doctor and his wife who are invited to the first séance and Claudine Clark delivers a fun portrayal as the nervous maid, Edith. 

The special effects throughout the show are impressive with “all hell breaking loose” at the finale.

Coward wrote Blythe Spirit in 1941, which was staged in London the same year with Dame Margaret Rutherford playing the clairvoyant. It ran for 1997 performances. In 1945, Coward adapted the screenplay which starred Rex Harrison,

Along-side Private Lives, Present Laughter and Hay Fever, Blythe Spirit has become a favourite with audiences the world over.

Roger McKenzie