Caernarfon Herald

RUSSELL BRINGS PLAY BACK ‘HOME’

Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit

- Penny Fray

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Russell Grant is to revive a little known piece of Portmeirio­n history next month, staging spooky comedy Blithe Spirit.

The TV astrologer has produced Noel Coward’s celebrated play, which was written while he was staying at the Welsh Italianate village on holiday 75 years ago.

In a new twist Grant will take on the lead role as Madame Arcati, famously played by Margaret Rutherford in the 1945 film adaptation.

It is the first time a man has embraced the role of the eccentric medium, recently played by Angela Lansbury in the West End.

Grant will be joined by members of the Starlight Players, amateur dramatic group, in Criccieth.

The 65-year-old said he is thrilled to be putting on the production not far from where it was originally written in the Fountain Suite.

He told the Daily Post: “We’re doing it in a way that’s very authentic to the way Coward wrote it.

“So, everything’s going to be in a way that he would have wanted it – from the stage directions to sound.”

Grant, who lives in Maentwrog, said he has been eager to show Blithe Spirit in Portmeiri- on for years and is pleased that he will finally get a chance to fulfil his ambition this autumn.

He said he had originally intended to put the production on for the 70th anniversar­y but had to abandon the project after being invited as a celebrity contestant for the ninth series of BBC1’s smash hit ballroom show.

Grant has said he is confident that the production, a radio-style reading in full peri- od costume, will be a success – not least because they will be guided over by the playwright himself.

He said: “Coward wrote Blithe Spirit less than 100 feet away from where we’ll be in October - and I think we’ll pick up his vibe.”

■ Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit will take place in Portmeirio­n from October 19-21, 2016. Tickets with fizz cost £20. Call 01766 772390 to book.

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 ??  ?? ● Russell Grant is producing Blithe Spirit at Portmeirio­n, where it was written by Noel Coward, inset below
● Russell Grant is producing Blithe Spirit at Portmeirio­n, where it was written by Noel Coward, inset below
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