Judi Dench takes centre stage in Blithe Spirit – ‘It’s glorious chaos’
As Noel Coward’s comedy returns to the big screen, Danielle de Wolfe discovers more
Transforming a classic piece of theatre into a contemporary onscreen adaptation without losing the charm that made it so unique will always be an undertaking.
Dappled with sentiments from a bygone era, it’s precisely the situation in which Noel Coward’s classic comedy Blithe Spirit finds itself.
Directed by Edward Hall, whose previous credits include hit ITV series Downton Abbey and acclaimed BBC drama Spooks, the script centres on wildly successful yet assuredly unhinged crime novelist Charles Condomine, played by fellow Downton Abbey alumnus Dan Stevens.
Set in 1937, the light-hearted tale unravels within the Art Deco confines of the writer’s sprawling Surrey home which he shares with current wife Ruth, played by Now You See Me star Isla Fisher.
Edging towards insanity, a tweed-clad Charles desperately searches for the inspiration that has been absent since the passing of his first wife, Elvira, played by Knocked Up’s Leslie Mann.
That is until an enthralling evening at the theatre captures Charles’ imagination, resulting in the show’s star – a famous medium named Madame Arcati, brought to life by Skyfall’s Dame Judi Dench – travelling to conduct a private seance in their home.
“I think it’s interesting to remember that this play was written in 1941, where Britain was facing a pretty bleak time and Coward had a peculiarly British ability to find comedy and wit and humour and levity in some pretty bleak subject matter,” notes Stevens, 38.
“Essentially, my character is a grieving alcoholic at the end of his tether, struggling with writer’s block and, you know, he’s not in a great way.
“Yet, Coward finds this absolutely mad triangle and, you know, it’s just glorious chaos really. I think, you know, it’s quite nice to remember that in the midst of all the bleakness.”
A combination of physical comedy and an altogether softer approach to Coward’s original sharp, quick-witted exchanges, the film sees Madame Arcati conjure the spirit of Charles’ first wife, Elvira, resulting in an ensuing love triangle from beyond the grave.
“You’ve got a group of us really sat around essentially watching Judi do her thing – we have a couple of interjections, but it’s really the Madame Arcati show at that moment, quite literally,” adds Stevens of shooting the film’s seance scenes.
“There are all sorts of effects going on and it’s a long old scene.
“But great fun, you know. Just a very silly gang, sat around a table with Judi Dench doing her incredible work, it’s a pretty great day at the office.”
First opening in the West End in 1941, the original production was subsequently transferred to the big screen courtesy of David Lean and his 1945 adaptation.
By today’s standards, the premise of two wives quarrelling over their husband might be considered a little outdated as a concept.
However, the script boasts a warm and nostalgic undercurrent which, paired with the film’s period setting, provides some suitably comedic respite in the midst of an otherwise bleak January.
● Blithe Spirit is available to watch now on Sky Cinema