Theatre Guild

Blithe Spirit

 

Blithe Spirit is a comical farce by Noel Coward, described by the author as “an improbable farce in three acts”.

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The characters

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Charles Condomine – socialite and novelist, wishing to research clairvoyancy for an upcoming book is surprised when the séance evokes the ghost of his late wife, Elvira.

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Ruth Condomine – Charles’ current wife, married to him two years after the death of Elvira. Ruth matches Charles’ wit and sophistication. She cannot see or hear Elvira.

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Madame Arcati – the eccentric medium conducting the séance.

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Elvira – the ghost of Charles’ first wife. Elvira was vivacious, adventurous and unrestrained in life and death hasn’t changed a thing.

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Edith – the Condomine’s maid. Edith is new to the job and does everything at top speed.

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Dr & Mrs Bradman – dinner guests of the Condomines and present at the séance.

 

There’s a lot of scope for character work with the roles. They can reasonably be any age as long as the timings mentioned in the play work. The audition panel will be looking more to match couples in age and chemistry.