by Phoebe Cramer
As the spooky season arrives, Theatre Oxford is ready to deliver a delightful dose of comedy with a side of marital discord with its production of Noël Coward’s: Blithe Spirit at The Powerhouse in Oxford on October 18–19. Directed by Jackie Daniels, this classic farce is filled with sharp wit, playful physical comedy, and a ghostly twist, making it a must-see play.
The play centers around Charles Condomine, a writer who accidentally summons the spirit of his late first wife, Elvira, during a seance. As Elvira clashes with his current wife, Ruth, marital discord reveals hilarious elements.
“When you watch it, it’s a great laugh. We need a laugh right now. I think entertaining people, it sounds frivolous, but it’s extremely important,” says Daniels, emphasizing the playful and lively mood of the production.
The play’s cast and crew enjoy a family-like bond. One of the cast members, Jacob Hall, who plays Charles, is no stranger to the Oxford stage and praises the camaraderie and bond of the cast. “The best part is getting to work with people I’ve worked with time and time again. They bring their own form of wit, and they’re nothing short of professional,” Hall shares. He adds that while audiences will certainly enjoy the comedy, they’ll also find the play surprisingly relatable, especially in the humorous dynamics of relationships.
Additional cast members include Tori Hutchinson as Ruth and Jules Mikell as Elvira, plus Anubis Improv members David James Hamilton and Alyssa Lee in the roles of Dr. and Mrs. Bradman. Theatre Oxford veteran Jaime Gritter appears as Madame Arcati.
Blithe Spirit also promises a romantic trip to the 1940s with its Art Deco set and period costumes. The production celebrates Noël Coward’s 125th birthday, and Theatre Oxford will host a special tea party during intermission to honor the legendary playwright.
Performances are set for 7:30 pm on Friday, October 18, and at 2 pm and 7:30 pm on Saturday, October 19. Tickets are available at the door and seats can be reserved online here. Don’t miss this high-spirited comedy performance—perfect for getting into the Halloween mood!
