AWARD-winning local theatre group Thurrock Courts Players return to the Thameside Theatre later this month with the hauntingly good play Blithe Spirit.

Novelist, Charles Condomine invites eccentric medium Madame Arcati to conduct a séance at his house as research for his next novel. Despite the guests being sceptical the séance takes an unexpected turn when the spirit of Charles's first wife Elvira makes an appearance. Seen and heard by Charles alone he must convince his new wife Ruth that he is not merely going mad, and either learn to live with 2 wives or find a way to send Elvira back to where she came from.

One of Noel Coward's most famous titles, revived on the West End time and again and famously adapted for the screen starring Rex Harrison and Margaret Rutherford, this classic tale of ghosts and psychics has been loved by audiences since 1941.

An impressive list of famous faces have appeared in the various character incarnations over the last 80 years including Joanna Lumley and Ruthie Henshall taking the part of the ghostly Elvira, and Angela Lansbury, Miriam Margolyes and Jennifer Saunders hamming up the part of the eccentric Madame Arcati.

Director Josh Handley said: "This show is regarded as one of the great pieces of comedy in British theatre history so I was beyond excited when the opportunity came along to direct it.

"The original text and story continue to hold up today and delivers a glorious evening's entertainment.

"So come along and have a laugh, it's what Noel Coward would have wanted."

Madame Arcati

There are only three chances to catch this timeless classic running evenings from 26-28 September.

Tickets are available for the Thameside Theatre website BLITHE SPIRIT (thamesidetheatre.com)