JOHN Burland reviews Blithe Spirit at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds.

WHAT a great actress Thelma Barlow is.

Known originally for her portrayal of the dippy Mavis in Coronation Street and more latterly as Dolly in Dinner Ladies, her playing of Madame Arcati in this

production of Blithe Spirit at West Yorkshire Playhouse brings out her full potential as an actress.

Noel Coward wrote Blithe Spirit in just six days in 1941, a few weeks after German bombs had destroyed his London office and apartment.

During the time of tragedy when it was written, Coward stated that his goal was to write a 'very gay superficial comedy'.

Blithe Spirit is a comedy about death, one of the longest running plays in London, totalling 1,998 performances.

Charles Condomine, looking for

inspiration for his new book about a fake psychic, and his second wife Ruth, invite the batty Madame Arcati (Barlow) round for dinner.

However, Madame Arcati turns out to be far better at contacting the deceased than Charles imagines and Elvira, his first wife, who has been dead for seven years, turns up to join the party.

Temperamental, sarcastic and morally untidy at the best of times, the spirit world has done little to diminish Elvira's lust for life.

Charles Condomine is played by Terrence Hardiman, whose stage credits include extensive work with the RSC.

His numerous television credits have among them the title role in three series of The Demon Headmaster.

One of Coward's best farces, this is a superb play and well worth a visit over the New Year period.

The play run has just been extended until February 3 in the Courtyard Theatre at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Ring the box office on (0113) 2137700.