One of Noel Coward’s comic masterpieces it set to appear in the West End in 2011, starring a Laurence Olivier Award winner in a lead role and also featuring the directing talents of someone whose work has earned considerable attention. The show has had a special place in the hearts of audience since it first appeared in the 1940s and this revival is set to showcase it for a brand new generation of theatregoers. Whilst it originally ran at the Piccadilly Theatre in 1941 (following a run in Manchester earlier in the year), the new edition has found the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue as its home, appearing at the venue from March 2011.
Blithe Spirit follows a disastrous evening brought on by the conjuring of spirits by Madame Arcati (Alison Steadman), who has been hired by writer Charles Condomine to entertain his dinner guests and provide him with inspiration for his latest novel. But the story-teller does not realise what he has let himself in for and instead of the eccentric Arcati providing him with a humorous tale, it instead forces him to face some ghosts from the past – quite literally. With Condomine happily married to his second wife Ruth, he suddenly finds himself haunted by the ghost of his first with Elvira, who is intent on tearing his new life apart.
The director of the production takes the form of Thea Sharrock, who returns to the West End following her stint directing “The Misanthrope” at the Comedy Theatre earlier in the year – a show that earned Keira Knightley a Laurence Olivier Award-nomination. Her other recent credits have included “After the Dance” at the National Theatre in 2010, “The Emperor Jones” at the National Theatre in 2007 and “Heroes: Le Vent Des Peupliers” at the Wyndham’s Theatre in 2005.
She has also previously helmed the work of Noel Coward in a production of “Private Lives” that appeared at the Theatre Royal Bath in 2005 and just like that production, “Blithe Spirit” will also debut at the venue in November.
Then, Blithe Spirit will be making its appearance in the West End by running at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue from Wednesday 9th March 2011 (previews from Wednesday 2nd March 2011) to Saturday 18th June 2011.
Venue Information
Venue
The Apollo Theatre
Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 6NA
Travel
Underground: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly/Bakerloo lines) Take east exit for Shaftesbury Avenue.
Rail: Charing Cross Take Bakerloo line to Piccadilly Circus.
Parking: Masterpark Cambridge Circus. NCP Newport Place, Wardour Street or Denman Street. Please note that parking in central London can be difficult and expensive. If possible please use public transport.
Access
Wheelchairs: Entrance via door to left of Upper Circle entrance on Shaftesbury Avenue. There are 12 steps down to the auditorium. Wheelchair users must be accompanied by a non-wheelchair using companion. Transfer seating only is available to all seats.
Hearing Impaired: Infrared. Avoid front stalls. A deposit for headsets is required.
