Newbridge Drama Group to stage Noel Coward comedy, Blythe Spirit

Written during the dark War years of 1941, Noel Coward’s classic comedy of high spirits, glorious satire and sophisticated banter is one of his best-loved plays.

Newbridge Drama Group (NDG) present Blithe Spirit at the Riverbank Arts Centre for a four night run from Wednesday, April 17 to Saturday, April 20.

When an eccentric medium inadvertently conjures up the ghostly first wife of happily married novelist Charles, all hell breaks loose as the dearly departed discovers a lingering affection for her widower and an acute dislike for her replacement.

Moments of high farce fuse with Coward’s trademark wit in a play of sparkling wit and deliciously droll humour.

Directed by Caroline Malone, the cast in order of appearance is Edith - Noreen Donnelly, Ruth Condomine - Dearbháil Dowling, Charles Condomine - Cary Morin, Dr Bradman - Sean McElroy, Mrs Bradman - Sharon Whelan, Madame Arcati - Jenny Adamson, and Elvira - Sharon Coyle.

The Newbridge Drama Group has been part of the local landscape for decades.

“In 1963 the Torch Players drama group was set up in Newbridge by Tommy Berwick and Kieran Sheedy and some friends. In 1969, the group changed its name to Newbridge Drama Group (NDG),”explained Jo Doyle and the Newbridge Drama Group Committee on the Riverbank website.

“In those early years, the group staged performances in the local school halls, mainly St. Conleth’s and Mary’s and the Holy Family secondary school. When the Riverbank Arts Centre opened in 2001, NDG was delighted to stage Philadelphia, Here I Come! in the Riverbank auditorium. Since then NDG has been staging two performances per year (May and November) at Riverbank Arts Centre.”

Tickets for it's latest production cost €15 to €18 and are available online from www.riverbank.ie