Colwall Players' version of Nol Coward's comedy Blithe Spirit is good fun, judging by the private show for members and guests of Colwall Rotary Club.

Superb comic timing from the talented cast raised many a laugh from the audience on Wednesday night.

The plot centres on author Charles Condomine who, in the search for material for his new book, invites a local medium, Madame Arcati, to hold a sance.

But when the spirit of his late wife Elvira is called up, she refuses to return to the other side, to the anguish of Charles's second wife Ruth.

John Mosedale is excellent as Charles, his character becomes increasingly hen-pecked throughout the play.

Angela Meridith obviously enjoys playing Elvira, the glee with which she taunts straight-laced Ruth is very funny.

As Ruth, Anna Byers gives a great performance, at its finest when she becomes annoyed with her haunted husband.

Dianne Lloyd plays strange Welsh medium Madame Arcati in a suitably exaggerated fashion.

Mention must also go to Steve and Trish Hockett, as sceptical sance guests Dr and Mrs Bradman, and Charlotte Lloyd, as hectic maid Edith.

The play is set in the sitting room of a 1930s house, cleverly recreated by the Players' design team.

This production is genuinely amusing and the Colwall Rotary audience left the village hall in blithe spirits themselves, especially as the event raised around £1,000 for Rotary charities.

Blithe Spirit plays tonight (Friday) and tomorrow in Colwall Village Hall. Tickets are available on 01684 540300. It is also at the Conquest Theatre, Bromyard on Friday and Saturday November 4-5. Tickets from 01885 488575.

Jo Lafferty