Blithe Spirit, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, March 7 to 9

Will this be the first time you have directed a Noel Coward play, Caroline?

“Yes it is, and I’ve found it totally different to anything else I’ve directed previously.”

What attracted you to directing this particular Coward play, the one with the interfering ghost and the batty spirit medium?

“I saw a production of Blithe Spirit a couple of years ago and just loved it. I was drawn to the words, the era and the characters.”

What themes will you be drawing out and what does this 1941 ghost story say to a modern audience?

“The play has twists and turns and themes of hocus-pocus along with a witty and very funny dialogue. Blithe Spirit does not expect its audience to believe in ghosts, but to be entertained by them.”

What are the biggest challenges when presenting a Coward play?

“The biggest challenge has been the words themselves and how they’re spoken, but that said, that’s the beauty of Noel Cowards writing. We’ve commented so many times during rehearsals that it’s such a ‘wordy’ play.”

Blithe Spirit has its technical challenges too…

“The play is filled with stage illusions, trances, a floating table, crystal balls and ghostly rapping. I couldn’t possibly say how we’ve achieved these illusions and effects. They all add to the ambience and the comedy.”

Do you believe in ghosts and have you ever encountered one?

“Yes, I certainly believe, as I’ve encountered them several times, but that could be another play in itself.”

• Rowntree Players present Blithe Spirit, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, March 7 to 9, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee. Box office: 07927 026071, positickets.co.uk or on the door.