UK Theatre Network

As so many theatres seem to believe that “Christmas is for children”, thank goodness Manchester Royal Exchange always keeps something special in reserve for the grown-ups.  This year’s classic show is Blithe Spirit, Noel Coward’s “improbable farce” about a séance which goes horribly wrong.

As well relishing the sophisticated drawing-room comedy we associate with Coward, Sarah Frankcom’s production goes at a cracking pace and sets up a series of slap-stick sequences which are eventually topped by a genuinely impressive coup-de-théâtre, courtesy of designer Liz Ascroft.

When the Royal Exchange are looking for suavity and sophistication the first person they call is Milo Twomey, whose debonair manner and raffish charm suit Charles Condomine perfectly.  Ex-Coronation Street actor Suranne Jones plays his second wife Ruth with style and conviction, while Nelly Harker strops about admirably as the late lamented Elivira.  And Peter Temple and Wendy Nottingham demonstrate how two first-rate actors can flesh out the comparatively small parts of Dr and Mrs Bradman and turn them into fully-rounded characters.

However scene after scene is stolen by Annette Badland in the plumb role of Madame Arcati.  Ms Badland leaves her dignity at the door to play the medium as an overgrown schoolgirl who scuttles about the Condomines’ house gobbling sandwiches, snuffling like a dog, and eventually falling into a dead faint with her skirts around her ears.  Madame Arcati is probably the closest the Royal Exchange will get to a pantomime dame this season, only with a much better line in wit and repartee.

Blithe Spirit is on until Saturday 23 January 2010

Prices: £8.50-£29.50

Evenings: Mon-Fri @ 7.30, Sat @ 8pm

Matinees: Wed @ 2.30, Sat @ 4pm

Box Office: 0161 833 9833

www.royalexchange.co.uk