Blithe Spirit Poster
What better way to research for a new book about a homicidal medium, than to invite eccentric psychic Madame Arcati to your home, and have a jolly good séance? So far so good. But writer Charles Condomine is certainly not prepared for the surprising and spirited consequences. He finds himself face to face with the ghost of his deceased wife, Elvira, who playfully appears only to him, much to the dismay of his second wife, Ruth. Take one husband, two feuding wives; add a sprinkling of mischief, and things get thoroughly out of hand!
Jan Saussey
Bio information here...
Simon Franks
as Charles Condomine
Simon is finding the role of xxx to be most educational. He says, “Since performing Noel Coward for the first time I’ve discovered that there really is no need to randomly insert the word ‘like’ into any sentence at all. Similarly, ‘awesome’ can be replaced with ‘capital,’ ‘first-rate’ and ‘splendid.’
Coward and I have quite a bit in common; he believed he was above his station and he drank like a fish.”
Catherine Maunsell
As Ruth Condomine
Catherine has enjoyed being part of the Auckland Community Theatre scene since arriving in NZ in 2009. It was at Dolphin that she first re-introduced herself to the boards after a 20 year absence.
Since then she has got the bug and has been involved in productions with Company, Titirangi (at Portage Road), Ellerslie and Howick Little Theatre. This will be Catherine’s third show at Dolphin and her second Noel Coward. Previously she played Amanda in Private Lives directed by Cynthia Cahill, and now she is delighted to be playing Ruth under the skilled direction of the wonderful Jan Saussey.
When not treading the boards, Catherine is a qualified yoga instructor and is currently launching Ageless Yoga.
Hannah Spear
as Edith
Hannah brings a range of industry experience having performed in a number of theatre, film & television productions both here and abroad. She has also worked as an Assistant Director with the BBC in the UK.
Playing Edith in Blithe Spirit, she brings an innocence and quirkiness to the character. This is her first performance at the Dolphin Theatre and looks forward to many more in the future.
Aimee Olivia
as Elvira
This is Aimee Olivia’s first appearance at Dolphin Theatre and she is delighted to bring the charming Elvira to life. Some of Aimee’s Auckland theatre credits include Puck in Female Company’s Revenge of the Amazon. Man to Woman in I.N.C Production’s Woman: absurdist monologues. Gower/maid II in Summer Shakespeare Pericles and Woman in Silhouette Silhouette Forget About It presented by Stir Fry VI.
Blithe Spirit is one of Aimee favourite plays and is honoured to be a part of a magnificent cast and crew.
Ian McMahon
Ian's bio required...
Catherine Syme
as Madame Arcati
This is Catherine’s fifth appearance at the Dolphin, and she says, “Being a ‘character’ actress since I was about 8 (when I discovered I could make people laugh), it is not only a great joy to be working with Jan Saussey again, but also a role in which I can largely play myself! Slightly dotty, voluble, ‘over the top’ and definitely eccentric, Madame Arcati is less of a challenge than I thought.”
Catherine is very pleased to be part of this iconic Noel Coward classic – and with a splendid cast who, she says, “All show signs of the Coward style already”.
Ruth Hyde
As Mrs Bradman
Ruth studied drama, theatre and film at Victoria University and is currently a dance and drama specialist teacher. Her most recent acting experience was in 2014 in A Shortcut to Happiness with Company Theatre. During the 1970s and 1980s Ruth performed with Mairangi Players, New Independent theatre, Arena Theatre and Auckland University.
Ruth says “I am thoroughly enjoying Blithe Spirit — such a great cast and director. I love the script and the Coward witticisms.