Jennifer Saunders to star in Blithe Spirit revival in the West End

Jennifer Saunders is set to star in a revival of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit in the West End next spring, it has been announced.

Directed by Richard Eyre, Saunders will play clairvoyant Madame Arcati who stages a séance at a writer's home with the aim of gathering material for a new novel, only to call the spirit of his first wife instead. The role has been played by any great actors, including Alison Steadman, Angela Lansbury and Penelope Keith.

The production, which premiered at Theatre Royal Bath in June, is set to tour the UK with a six-week West End run at the Duke of York's Theatre from 5^th March to 11^th April.

Saunders, who is known for being one-half of comedy duo French and Saunders alongside Dawn French, has starred in the TV shows Absolutely Fabulous, The Comic Strip Presents... and Jam & Jerusalem.

The Bath production also starred Lisa Dillon, Emma Naomi, Geoffrey Streatfeild, Simon Coates, Lucy Robinson and Rose Wardlaw, who will all revive their roles, as well as designs by Anthony Ward and lighting by Howard Harrison.

Blithe Spirit is set to run at the Duke of York's Theatre from 5^th March.

Blithe Spirit tickets are on sale now.