WOKINGHAM Theatre has once again pulled out all the stops for its July show, Blythe Spirit.
On stage a sumptuous 1930s drawing room has been magically conjured up by the group’s building team, Friends And Relations of the Theatre ( or the FARTS as they like to call themselves).
Art Deco blues, stripes, and wafting curtains form the perfect backdrop to Noel Coward’s pre-war farce about ghostly goings on, and the show’s costumes are lavishly beautiful.
Named after a line in Shelley’s poem, To A Skylark, Blythe Spirit was written by the flamboyant playwright in just six days.
In Coward’s usual witty and pithy style, it tells the story of a successful novelist who, searching for inspiration for his latest book, invites a psychic medium to conduct a seance after dinner at his home.
Sceptical, but keen to learn about the occult, and intrigued and amused by the eccentric antics of Madame Arcati, he, his wife, and two of their friends, join fingers in the dark around a card table.
After some theatrical nonsense from the medium, performed to music on the gramophone, they all get down to business – unleashing much more than they bargained for in the process.
Floating vases, materialising and dematerialising ghosts, and even deadly sabotage ensue, giving the Wokingham Theatre builders plenty of opportunity to explore special effects with help from professional magician Julian Hirst.
Director Mel Hampshire, said: “This play is such fun – I just love a camp comedy.
“The set is amazing – the FARTS are extraordinary.
“You ask them for a marble fireplace, and the next day, you have it.
“The illusions are probably the greatest challenge of this piece, but Julian has been integral to the design of this production from the start.
“He has helped us to spirit people through closed doors, and to make spectres float.
“I only had to say, ‘It would be really good if….’ and Julian, and Wokingham Theatre’s amazing technician Ben, would go away and make it happen.”
Audiences won’t see it, but there is even a levitation machine in this show.
Ghosts waft, curtains blow in the wind, and poltergeist activity is conducted with appropriate Noel Coward humour, levity and success.
“It’s my favourite of Coward’s plays, and one that I’ve always wanted to direct,” said Mel.
“I’ve really enjoyed working on this show – it’s harmless, silly, and entertaining.
“I hope audiences have a fun evening, and feel better when they leave.”
For a classic farce with ectoplasm, audiences should make their way to Wokingham Theatre.
Blythe Spirit can be seen there from Thursday, July 18 through to Saturday, July 27, with the exception of Sunday.
The theatre bar opens from 7pm, with curtains up at 7.45pm.
Tickets cost £16.
For tickets and information, visit: https://www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk/ or call the box office, on: 0118 978 5363
