‘The gentle humour is well-paced, but the real measure of success lies with the poignant delivery at the conclusion which I found particularly moving’
With both the play and the playwright new to me, director Rick Young excelled in transporting us – literally – to a different level with this well-presented production of Pam Valentine’s gem of a comedy.
Set entirely in the living room of Jack (George Lowe) and Susie (Liz Munro) Cameron’s cottage home at various times over a period of some months, it soon becomes apparent that they are in fact ghosts who, having been turned away from the Pearly Gates because Jack, a famous crime writer, is an atheist, are left to entertain themselves playing poltergeist with local estate agent Mark Webster (Gordon O’Brien) who is, nervously, trying to let their home.
When a young couple, Simon (Conor Morris), an aspiring but struggling crime writer, and his pregnant wife Felicity (Noah Brogan), move in, the childless Cameron’s are keen to help them but how? Well, the appearance of a Guardian Angel (Betty Swift) with a hotline to St Peter helps them make a start with some telepathic connections but will it be enough when Felicity’s snobbish mother Marcia (Pamela Foster) arrives intent on breaking them up?
It’s a slow burner – no bad thing as an escape from the ‘noise’ of domestic politics and international intrigues – which allows the characters to develop warmly along with our connection to them. The gentle humour is well-paced, but the real measure of success lies with the poignant delivery at the conclusion which I found particularly moving.
Parker & Webster’s Theatrical Designs – aka Richard Parker and Jo Webster – impress with their attention to detail for the set design, creating a comfortable and cosy cottage complete with French windows and view into the garden, and a rich well-furnished interior complete with writing desk and chair, for the budding author, with Webster’s set dressing finessing each scene as we move from the warmth of June through to the spectacular magic of Christmas, all carefully curated by Stage Manager Graham Swift.
The cast perform strongly and the production benefits from their natural chemistry which is enhanced further from the blend of seasoned performers with more newer members of the company that in a way, pleasingly, mirrors aspects of the play itself.
B Swift’s welcome return was far from frumpy as the tweed-wearing Guardian Angel with her natural stage presence evident in a subtle comic performance, whilst a confident Foster skilfully played it straight ensuring that her comic lines landed with greater effect, which reminded me a little of Joanna Lumley. O’Brien in turn demonstrated his own comic mastery with a suitably haunted yet hilarious visual portrayal as he is assaulted at every turn.
Brogan and Morris were well-matched as the young couple, cleverly capturing the intricacies of their relationship with strong, believable performances that embraced both the hope and naivety that all too often results in youthful dreams being dashed. They combined perfectly with Lowe and Munro to serve up some superb scenes that demonstrated great coordination and comic timing.
Lowe and Munro were equally well-matched with their sensitive performance as the older couple with greater emphasis on the idiosyncrasies of their relationship from bickering one moment to missing being able to hold each other the next. Munro reflected the frustrations and longing of her character well, whilst Lowe’s natural understated and relaxed style was perfect for this production with an impressive monologue in the final scene.
Spirit Level plays at Rainhill Village Hall through to 16th May 2026 with performances at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at Rainhill Post Office, Rainhill Village Hall, by calling 01744 606067, or online at Rainhill Garrick Society Spirit Level
Review Date: 14th May 2026
Star Rating: FOUR