UNTIL SEPTEMBER 4 2004, BATH: Classic comedy Blithe Spirit thrilled and delighted an enthusiastic audience and proved to be a performance of consummate talent and professionalism.

The final production of the Peter Hall season, Noel Coward's comedy, concerns author Charles Condomine and his wife Ruth, who encourage a medium to hold a sance in their house and inadvertently summon the ghost of Charles' first wife Elvira.

The fall-out from this curious mnage a trois provides a plot with plenty of unexpected twists and turns as Charles tries to live with both his wife and his dead wife.

Penelope Keith starred as the eccentric medium Madame Arcati and she gave as we might expect from such an experienced and talented actor a delightful and entirely convincing performance as the cycle-riding, turban-wearing spirit raiser.

But she never overshadowed a cast of equally talented colleagues.

Aden Gillet, elegant and suave, was a delight to watch as the husband with two squabbling wives, and Joanna Riding was a suitable foil as the quick-witted and impeccably groomed Ruth.

Amanda Drew wonderfully ghostly in her silky nightdress and dressing gown was sultry and alluring as the mischievous Elvira.

The quick dialogue, stream of jokes and witticisms kept the play rattling along at a fair pace and the audience roaring with laughter.

The whole performance cannot be recommended too highly.

Catch Blithe Spirit at the Theatre Royal before the last performance on September 4.

Sarah Singleton

Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward

Bath Theatre Royal