Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit at The Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue

As far as theatre is concerned, Shaftesbury Avenue IS the West End and if you should grab every opportunity for an evening’s entertainment there. I understand that musicals – no matter how popular they may be – are not everyone’s cup of tea. So how about a classic British play?

Noel Coward’s parents were from Teddington in West London. The man was a genius – he was an actor, a producer, a director, a playwright, a songwriter and an entertainer. And an enduring icon. Blithe Spirit is a masterful work which apparently he wrote in just one week (awesome) and it first appeared in the 1940s. There are various film versions.

I was particularly attracted to this production because it has a powerful female line up - Hermione Norris (Bouquet of Barbed Wire, Cold Feet, Spooks, Outcasts, Separate Lies), Ruthie Henshall (most musicals and I saw her recently in Chicago) and the incomparable Alison Steadman (Pride and Prejudice, Fat Friends, A Private Function, The Singing Detective – but for me immortalised in Abigail’s Party and other Mike Leigh work).

The plot, for those who are unfamiliar, is that Charles (Robert Bathurst) and his wife Ruth (Hermione Norris) invite their friends Dr and Mrs Bradman (Bo Poraj and Charlotte Thornton) to a séance with Madame Arcadi (Alison Steadman) where Charles’ first wife Elvira (Ruthie Henshall) is rematerialized although only Charles can see and hear her. Much fun ensues between Charles and his ghostly first wife – a fun loving free spirit - and his very much alive second wife.

The era is captured perfectly not only through the brilliantly witty, quick-fire script but the charming, tasteful set and the fabulous clothes. Hermione’s red dress caught my eye from the start and I was beginning to seriously consider getting some of those fabulous wide legged evening trousers by the end of the evening. Usually, I remember one or two of my favourite lines – but on this occasion, just about every line was clever and funny and memorable – there are simply too many to write. The comic physical acting of the maid Edith – played phenomenally by Jodie Taibi - had the audience roaring with laughter from the start.

Whilst Steadman truly stole the show with her completely over the top – but utterly convincing – Madame Arcati (more incredible outfits) there were argument scenes by Hermione Norris that were totally compelling. As the curtain falls after each Act you feel that the story is complete, yet another development quickly unfolds. Each character is an incisive parody yet somehow authentic. Such was the dramatic skill of the Coward.

And I must mention the great staff too – upgraded seats, efficient bar and really friendly and helpful ushers. What more could you want?