Can someone tell me a little bit more about the play Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward?

Question

There isn't really any in depth information or analysis that I could find on the internet. I'm playing Dr. Bradmen. I think its a pretty small role.

Answer 1

Yes, it's small, but here's some info about him. I know the play very well. This is not straight from the script but easy to interpret. He's a older gentleman and he's been married for quite a while. He doesn't have any children. He's wealthy, a socialite, probably comes from a wealthy background. Most likely the only doctor in that small town. He makes house visits some or all of the time, like many doctors did during that time. He's got a sense of humor. He not as straight laced as the Condomines but his wife is a little less straightlaced than he is, which says that through time they have learned to not take things too seriously. He does have a superiority complex as does most of the other characters when it comes to commoners such as Madame Arcati. He's a cynic. He's friendlier than Mr. Condomine and I believe he knew Elvira--not well, but all the same.

I'm happy to help, if any of your other classmates want info, I'm willing to offer it. I was Madame Arcati a couple of years ago and it was the best thing I've done in my life.

Oh, and there also is a movie, but I think it's kind of boring though. Play up the humor of your character as well. This show is a light comedy.

Answer 2

appears in the first scene only, is there for dinner and they have a seance for entertainment.

Charles accidentally summons the spirit of his late first wife at a seance. Elvira, the spirit, causes him all sorts of grief as she keeps trying to kill him so he can join her in the spirit world. She accidentally kills his present wife instead and they both are there to haunt him until he decides to leave the house to them (they cannot leave it) and move away.

Answer 3

BLYTHE SPIRIT is a bitter sweet tale of a woman who died, whose soul returns to visit her husband, who has remarried. (I find it bittersweet, but I also think it is the way it is directed...)It is very Victorian in mentality.

Also, punch into any search engine the name of your character and see who has played him. (Or find out where the show has been played...) You will get info that way too...

Hope that site helps a little...