THE Portchester Players are pleased to announce their production of Noel Coward’s blisteringly funny comedy Blithe Spirit, directed by Kay Sumpner.

The plot revolves around Charles Condomine, a wealthy and successful novelist, who plans a seance as research for his new book. He invites the eccentric medium Madam Arcati into his country home, intending to expose her as a fraud. To witness this event, Charles and his second wife, Ruth, invite the sceptical Dr. Bradman and his anxious-to-believe wife, Violet. In the course of the seance, Madam Arcati accidentally summons Charles’s first wife, Elvira, back from the beyond. And then the fun really begins.

The cast includes local theatrical couple Peta and Steve Reading as Madame Arcati and Charles Condomine.

“Having leading roles in the same play makes learning lines so much easier - although we do squabble about who is testing who!” jokes Steve, more well -known for his singing roles with South Downe Musical Society.

This is his first major role in a straight play and he is looking forward to the experience with gusto (and a few nerves).

The show takes place at the Ashcroft Arts Centre, Osborne Road, Fareham from Wednesday, May 14 to Saturday, May 16, at 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced at £12 and £10 and can be obtained by calling either 01329 223100 or online at 3.hants.gov.uk/|ashcroft.