Blithe Spirit - starring Shirley Knight, Ian Ogilvy, Judy Geeson, Rosalind Ayres (Audio Theatre Series) [UNABRIDGED] (Audio Cassette)

~ (Author), L.A. Theatre Works (Author), Michael Hackett (Author), Rosalind Ayres (Author), Ian Ogilvy (Author), Shirley Knight (Performer), Judy Geeson (Performer)

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Some of [Coward's] most sparkling dialogue ever... This play is about something substantial - the way past relationships come back to haunt us - but it's the gossamer-like nature of the piece, its sheer levity of spirit, that makes it such an enduring achievement.' Dominic Cavendish, Daily Telegraph, 22.6.09 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description

In this favorite Coward comedy, a casual evening among witty friends is transformed by a seance during which the host's deceased wife returns to wreak havoc on his new marriage.

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Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: L.A. Theatre Works; Unabridged edition (December 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580811264
• ISBN-13: 978-1580811262
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,325,556 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Plenty of laughs., April 27, 2000

By	Christopher M. Theisen (Rhode Island, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The performances are top-notch in this hilarious British comedy. When the ghost of a dead wife is unleashed on his household by a wacky clairvoyant a man must struggle to meet the demands of all wives, both dead and alive. Noel Coward's comedy is fill with plenty of laughs. The sound quality of this cassette is excellent. If you like books on tape you should try all that L.A. Theatre Works has to offer.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Noel Coward's masterpiece, January 12, 2002

By	Ventura Angelo (Brescia, Lombardia Italy) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Blithe Spirit (L.A. Theatre Works Audio Theatre Collection) (Audio CD)

One can't help but laugh from beginning to end.Yet the argument is very sombre,and could have been the argument of the most grim drama of a German playwriter. It's the wit of Coward, his genius of combining the petty ridiculous whit the dramatic that makes this drama just perfect.Coward's practical views on the supernatural are absolutely irresistible. A must for the occult believer and for the skeptic as well!

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect!, February 14, 2007

By	SarahJCT (Surrey, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blithe Spirit (L.A. Theatre Works Audio Theatre Collection) (Audio CD)

Edit: My review refers to the L.A. Theaterworks production.

I've seen many productions of this play on film, stage and radio and this is, far and away, the best production ever. A different, more English tone takes this production a million miles away from the well known film version and, charming though Rex Harrison et al are, this is all the better for being different.

Ian Ogilvy shines as the misogynistic Charles who carries a torch for his first wife despite his best efforts. Rosalind Ayres is fine as the slighted Ruth, playing it with a wonderful, indignant tone. But the undisputed star of the show is Judy Geeson who plays the mischevious Elvira with such wonderful drawling tones it's a delight to listen to her. I only wish we heard the word 'beastly' more in conversation!

Of my many audio books, this is absolutely my favourite but wonderful as it is, I'm just sorry that this was radio and not stage or screen. What a fabulous production it would have been.