STEPPING into the memorial hall was like stepping into someone’s drawing room, such was the impressive set and props, complete with chandelier and French windows to the garden, through which the mischievous Elvira (Sue Barton-Leigh) made her ethereal entrance. But let’s backtrack to the period BE (before Elvira) where Charles (Peter Revis) and his wife, Ruth (Beverley Sell) affectionately banter and sail through life and innocently invite Madame Arcarti (Carol Ings) and their friends, the bumbling Dr Bradman (David Hughes) and his twittering wife (Sheila Barker) to participate in a séance. Big mistake! For all their scepticism, Arcarti has half a talent and manages to summon Charles’ expired wife. Ings was magnificent as the eccentric and exuberant medium, contrasting with the understandably disgruntled Ruth and her bewildered husband. Barton-Leigh also gave a sterling performance as she wrecked havoc. Proportionally the most laughs went to the smallest part, the maid Edith (Maria Barnett) who never missed an opportunity to perform.

Ends Saturday.

Rebecca Case