Widely considered to be one of Noël Coward’s greatest works, Blithe Spirit will be presented by Black Swan State Theatre Company at the Heath Ledger Theatre from 18 July 2015.
While researching his next novel, Charles Condomine employs the services of a clairvoyant to see whether it is possible to contact souls in the afterlife. Unfortunately for Charles, the psychic summons the ghost of his dead wife, Elvira. It’s soon clear that the morally untidy Elvira wishes to reunite with her husband, much to the dismay of Charles’ new (and living) wife, Ruth.
Treating its grim subject matter with gratifying frivolity, Blithe Spirit offers a playful look at what lies beyond the grave, and what happens when love comes back to haunt us – you’ll never get enough of this farcical play full of spectral action.
“Blithe Spirit is a comedy about warring wives, laughter, magic and mayhem and is a hilarious and fantastical comedy about astral bigamy,” says Black Swan’s Artistic Director, Kate Cherry.
English playwright, actor, and composer Noël Coward was known for his likable sophistication and sharp sense of humour. Although he wrote some of the most popular plays of his time including Hay Fever, Private Lives, Design for Living, Present Laughter and Blithe Spirit, he was also known for his entertaining personality and his abilities as a witty storyteller.
He composed hundreds of songs, including Mad Dogs and Englishmen, London Pride and I Went to a Marvellous Party, in addition to well over a dozen musical theatre works. Coward’s stage and film acting and directing career spanned six decades, during which he starred in many of his own works. He received an Academy Honorary Award in 1943, and was Knighted in 1969. The former Albery Theatre in London was renamed the Noël Coward Theatre in his honour in 2006.
Director: Jeffrey Jay Fowler Cast: Adam Booth, Adriane Daff, Michelle Fornasier, Roz Hammond, Ella Hetherington, Michael Loney, Jo Morris Set & Costume Designer: Bryan Woltjen Lighting Designer: Jon Buswell Sound Design / Composer: Ash Gibson Greig
Blithe Spirit
Heath Ledger Theatre – State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, William Street, Perth
Season: 18 July – 9 August 2015
Bookings: 1300 795 012 or online at: www.ticketek.com.au
For more information, visit: www.bsstc.com.au for details.
Image: Roz Hammond as Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit – photo by Robert Frith