Blithe Spirit - Gielgud Theatre

It really went without saying that I'd have to go and see Blithe Spirit with Angela Lansbury when it hit the West End.  Firstly, I have always loved the film version (Margaret Rutherford was one of my favourite actresses when watching old British films on a Saturday afternoon when I was at school.  Secondly, Angela Lansbury, need I say more?

Naturally the Gielgud Theatre was packed.  After all, they all know who she is, even if they are not sure what the play is about.  <<http://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/Tickets/BlitheSpirit/BlitheSpirit.asp>>

It's a small cast and it has to be a strong cast.  The weakest link, I think, is Jemima Rooper as Elvira, the first dead wife.  She isn't brittle enough, she's a bit too 2014.  One of her best moments however is her grappling with the recently deceased, and invisible, Ruth.  Janie Dee, Ruth, and Charles Edwards, Charles, seem to fit the period style quite nicely.  Snapping at each other as the tensions rise with the arrival of Elvira.

Of course the night belonged to Angela Lansbury as Madame Arcati.  Whilst still as batty as Margaret Rutherford, she carefully avoids channeling any of Rutherford's ticks and foibles.  For a woman of 88 Lansbury is agile and active, bounding around the stage to induce the spirits to join the seance.  Her timing is great and her withering looks could have curdled milk at 100 yards!

The place erupted at the curtain call, the whole audience standing.  It wasn't just for the performance, it was for Angela Lansbury!