The local revival of the work of Noel Coward continues with The Wick Theatre Company's production of Blithe Spirit.
The play, claimed by Coward to have been written in just a few days, has become an enduring classic.
The story centres on Charles, a writer in need of background to his latest book, who invites a local medium to conduct a seance at the home that he shares with his second wife, Ruth. He is cynical in his motive - he hopes to pick up the appropriate jargon.
Charles, however, gets more than he bargained for when the ghost of his first wife, Elvira, is conjured up and is only visible to him.
Elvira has ulterior motives and causes all sorts of mayhem and confusion. The character was deliciously realised by Judith Berrill - vivacious and wickedly mischievous.
The role of Madame Arcati, the medium, is a plum part that requires a controlled degree of eccentricity and scattiness. On this occasion the control is lacking and the performance way over the top. Concentration on physical comedy proves to be to the detriment of the humour in the lines. Too often the voice drops and lines are thrown away.
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