Blithe Spirit

By: Noel Coward

Narrated by: Rosalind Ayres, Shirley Knight, Judy Geeson, Ian Ogilvy

This classic comedy is set in the charming country home of Charles Condomine, a remarried widower. A witty and convivial evening party among friends is transformed when a seance conjures the ghost of Elvira, Charles' first wife, who delights in wreaking havoc among the living. An enchanting Coward comedy!©1932 Noel Coward (P)1998 L.A. Theatre Works

Short and Sweet

It is short and sweet. It is a professional production. I recommend it to anyone.

Incomplete Script

While this performance is wonderful, it skips large chunks of dialogue. As I was hoping to use it to help run lines it definitely did not serve its purpose for me.

Ms Geeson at her finest

This was always one of my favourite plays – I loved it having seen the David Lean film version when I was a child. But much as I love the film, it cannot hold a candle to this marvellous production. For a start it is exceptionally well cast. Ian Ogilvie is perfectly cast as the misogynistic but still sympathetic Charles Condomine – confused and then bemused by the appearance of his first wife, Elvira from beyond the grave. But the star of the show is undoubtedly Judy Geeson who steals every scene that she appears in with just the right touches of emotion, humour and downright devilishness. Her vowel sounds are a joy – I could listen to her speak for hours!
The story is simple but an absolute joy. This is without a doubt my favourite radio play in my vast collection!

Classic Coward

What made the experience of listening to Blithe Spirit the most enjoyable?

Each character is well portrayed, the timing is great and I'm really glad they have British accents.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Charles Condomine is such a cad, but in such a devilish way.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Elvira, so conniving and so transparent

Be careful what you wish for

Fun screwball comedy about a writer who invites a medium over to get information for his book. During the séance he unwittingly calls back his dead wife. He's the only one who can see her, causing chaos.

I watched the movie shortly after listening to this performance. Listen to this, and skip the movie.

Just like a LIVE SHOW!

I had the lucky opportunity to see ANGELA LANSBURY- in San Francisco (01-31-15) perform this LIVE-- she is such a great actress-- this audio version was s nice way to remember the play!

Well presented classic theatre

Noel Coward is a playwright with timeless wit -- in both the dialogue and the plot.
Blithe Spirit is a somewhat cheeky comedy, exploring reactions to the deceased wife (the blithe spirit) talking to the remarried spouse via a wonderfully portrayed clairvoyant and spirit medium.
Coward is the epitome of the English playwright and the actors in this production are highly regarded British actors. I enjoyed the audience's reaction -- for me the immediacy of the theatre certainly added to the quality of the listening experience.

A Dry Martini for the ears.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, just as an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon.

What about the narrators???s performance did you like?

They are all accomplished actors. The voices are different enough to easily distinguish them. It is a light and frothy play.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it is short and we were driving a long way.

Any additional comments?

A polished and elegant performance of a play written by a very clever wordsmith.

What fun!

I felt it was a real treat to listen to professionals really bring this to life.

The story is wonderful and has been re-imagined many times over the years to greater and lesser degrees of success. It is a treat to sit down with a comedy of this sort and just enjoy its beauty.

Always A Favorite!!

Timeless story in a brilliant dramatization. I love hearing the audience reaction; makes me feel like I'm really at the theater :)