Dame Angela Lansbury triumps in the West End revival of a Noël Coward classic, writes Christopher Gray

The highly enjoyable West End revival of Noël Coward’s waspishly witty Blithe Spirit derives considerable comic momentum from two silly walks — or rather, bodily motion that might loosely be described thus. First come the uncoordinated rushings to and fro, and trespasses into other people’s personal space, of the gawky Edith, new maid to the upper-crust Condomines in their Kentish mansion. Later we witness jerky pointing, writhing and energetic high-stepping as the medium Madame Arcati goes into the trance that will summon from the dead — to disastrous effect — the former lady of the house.

Edith is portrayed by an actor at the dawn of her career — indeed, this is Patsy Ferran’s first part as a professional. Madame Arcati, by contrast, is shown to us by one who must be considered close to the end of hers, much as we would wish the legendary Angela Lansbury, now within two years of her 90th birthday, to go on for ever.

Warmly applauded, in a way rarely heard these days, on her first appearance on the stage and honoured with a standing ovation at the curtain call, Dame Angela is the reason everyone is here. And, in her first London role in nearly 40 years, she does not disappoint.

Doddery is the last word that could be applied to her button-sharp Arcati, a woman who can down the driest Martini in one gulp and thinks nothing of a seven-mile bike ride from home for a table-rapping encounter with those on ‘the other side’. She’s no sweet old pussycat either: watch the shafts of venom aimed at doctor’s wife Mrs Bradman (Serena Evans) when respect for her psychic powers seems to be wanting.

That these powers are indeed potent is shown in her calling up of the late Elvira Condomine (Jemima Rooper), to the surprise of all, including herself and, indeed, the visiting spectre.

Observable and audible only to her former husband Charles (a hard-worked Charles Edwards), Elvira rejoices in the ructions that ensue when she begins to compete for his affections with her brittle successor, Ruth (the ever-excellent Janie Dee).

The ensuing comic mayhem, with overtones of malice and melodrama, is brilliantly handled under the hugely experienced director Michael Blakemore, himself now 85. Simon Higlett’s lavish set, with many surprises to spring, adds significantly to the fun. Designed to brighten the dark days of war, the Master’s play — polished off in an amazing six days in 1941 — reveals his never-flagging talent to amuse.

Blithe Spirit
Gielgud Theatre, London
Until June 7
Tickets: 0844 482 5130, blithespiritlondon.com