London has seen the popular return of Noel Coward’s witty play to the Gielgud Theatre this year, and now West Wiltshire can enjoy Coward at his best, with Trowbridge Players presenting Blithe Spirit at the Arc Theatre from May 7-9, at 7.30pm.

For a real treat, the Players are also hosting a Gala Night Performance on May 10, when from 6.30pm the audience can enjoy a pre-theatre 1940’s reception with Prosecco, canapés and music by Gavin Lazarus.

Blithe Spirit is ever-popular, and featured in a marvellous film version directed by David Lean in 1945.

When the author Charles Condomine, researching for his new book, invites the eccentric Madame Arcati to conduct an after-dinner séance, things do not go according to plan.

Madame Arcati accidentally summons up the spirit of his late wife, Elvira. Predictably Ruth, Charles’s second wife is far from happy with this unwelcome disruption and life becomes intolerable when the vivacious Elvira decides to stay.

Lynne McCaffrey plays the elegant and controlling Ruth with Charlotte Howard as the troublesome spirit, using her female guile and mischievous taunts to upset the Condomine’s comfortable and equable existence.

Maria Guilani’s dotty and exuberant Madame Arcati is endearingly inept, while Chris Pollock, as the arrogant yet charming Charles Condomine, enjoys the idea of having two wives, until Elvira’s plans go terribly wrong.

Tickets, £9/£7 Weds /Thurs/Fri and £15 for the Saturday night Gala Evening, are available now from 01225 756376 or online at www.arctheatre.org.uk