Most people would find it alarming if their ‘ex’ returned from the dead to not only haunt but taunt them.

This is the starting point for Noel Coward’s ‘Blithe Spirit’, when the successful writer, Charles Condomine, now remarried, is confronted by the ghost of his ex-wife after a séance.

To make matters worse, only Charles can see and hear her. This presents great opportunities for both comic situations and human tensions which Shoestring’s production, directed by Lynda Maynard, fully realised.

Martin Stephen was supremely assured in the major role as the initially confident Charles who organizes the séance simply to gather material for his latest book, highly sceptical of the medium’s powers, but gradually becomes rattled by the ghostly appearances. Theo Read evoked sympathy as the second wife, Ruth, who struggles to empathise with her husband’s predicament but understandably loses her cool when she cannot tell if Charles is reacting to her or his invisible ex-wife.

Mick Randall played the rather grumpy Dr Bradman, another character who starts the play as a sceptic but ends up having to tend to the very real injuries provoked by the manifestations.

Christina Spencer made a dignified and elegant Mrs Bradman, looking every inch the respectable doctor’s wife of the 1930s, while Christine Heffer brought out all the comic possibilities in the small but crucial part of Edith, the maid, who, in the best theatrical tradition of maids not only has to scream, but also sang beautifully. But the most enjoyable parts (enjoyed, I suspect by both audience and actors alike) were the medium, Madame Arcati, who was played with exuberant eccentricity by Margaret Pitman, and the ghostly Elvira, played with mischievous allure by Anne Brown.

The stage of the Whitecross Hall, Monks Risborough was nicely transformed into an elegant 1930s drawing room by an effective set with good period details. The stage crew produced special effects of billowing curtains and flying objects most effectively. Lighting and sound effects, including an irritated cuckoo, were slickly done. A most enjoyable evening true to the spirit of Noel Coward and the spirits he evoked.

The group has had positive feedback on Blithe Spirit. So for the first time Shoestring Productions, who usually aim to put on a play once a year, is planning a further production for 2011, to be performed in October. Anybody who has an interest in either performing on stage or behind the scenes are invited to join them. They are a small friendly group who really enjoy working together. Contact Lynda Maynard on 01844 273360 or Fiona Gammon on 01844 275216 for more information.