The title of what is probably Noel Coward’s most famous play, Blithe Spirit says it all – if you know what ‘Blithe’ means. Blithe: ‘a casual or cheerful indifference for what is considered proper’ – and yes, this in spades and joyfully so!

Opening at Ilkley Playhouse this week, new life is infused into this wonderfully ethereal comedy and it is every bit as fresh and lively as when it was first penned. Magda Jover’s bright, broad set is dressed for the 1920s and provides a wonderful space for big performances.

A writer and his wife – Charles and Ruth Condomine – have invited their close friends, Dr and Mrs Bradman, (Mark Simister and Nicky Burrows) to dinner and to enjoy a séance with the infamous Madame Arcati. Charles’ intention was purely to gather information for a novel, but as soon as he invokes the name of his deceased wife, Elvira, the die is cast for the drama to unfold. Helen Clarke plays Madame Arcarti – the role made famous by Margaret Rutherford – and her performance in this part is no less ebulliently hilarious. Beautifully eccentric in her attire, she bursts into this otherwise genteel setting, throwing herself into trances and calling upon spirits to emerge With very little persuasion, Elvira, in shimmering silver and with an entirely other-worldly demeanour, sweeps into the scene. Lisa Debney is having a ball in this part and truly embodies the very spirit of ‘Blithe’!

Jay Cundell-Walker has directed this piece with a deft hand and the characters bounce off each other and create exactly the right fractious atmosphere. Charles, played by James Willstrop, is a man on the edge. Hen- pecked by his second wife, Ruth, and with his heart still captivated by the mischievous Elvira, he can scarcely hold it together. This is a bravura performance – every nuance of his distress, longing and despair written on his face and in his nerve wracked body. Amanda Ashy plays Ruth – a strikingly different choice to his first wife – straight laced and dignified and totally ill at ease with this impish behaviour of Elvira who refuses to depart in a dignified manner. And it’s hardly surprising - she really is wicked!

Every part in this play is written to give the cast an opportunity to entertain in the best way – Edith, the maid, is probably the best servant role ever and Rachel Warren grasps every word and movement of it to great comedic success. And there is far more to this hapless, oddity of a maid than meets the eye!

Having a somewhat malevolent ghost in your house, especially one who is your former wife, is not a recipe for marital harmony – in fact quite the reverse. Events take rather drastic turns for the worse – but the humour of the situation only increases!

Blithe Spirit has stood the test of time with good reason and this production bears testimony to its rightful place in a proud tradition of English comedy greats. It runs until 17th June – you’d be foolish to miss it!

Tickets are available by calling the box office on 01943 609539 or on line @ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk