THEY’RE normally hard-nosed realists over at Canberra Rep, but Noël Coward’s comedy, “Blithe Spirit,” the fifth production in the 2014-15 season, has them breaking most of the rules.

Opening this Friday November 21 in a new production by Kate Blackhurst, the hilarious “Blithe Spirit” was, improbably, written in in 1941 when Coward headed to a seaside hotel after his London office and flat had been destroyed in the Blitz,. AS REP quotes, by way of historical explanation, “we are always one martini away from devastation.”

This is Blackhurst’s directorial debut with REP. Known as a lover of British drama, she has in the past directed “Blackadder: Bells and Popcorn” for Remarkable Theatre in Queenstown, New Zealand.

The plot is celebrated. Charles Condomine (Peter Holland) is researching his latest book with the help of the outrageously eccentric psychic Madame Arcati (Liz St Clair-Long). But when a séance goes wrong, is brought back face-to-face with the ghost of Charles’ deceased wife Elvira (Anita Davenport) appears, the plot thickens and Charles’ current wife Ruth (Emma Wood) is not pleased.

You can expect poltergeists, jealously, and a lot of laughs on a set designed by Andrew Kay, with elegant periods costumes by Anna Senior.

“Blithe Spirit,” Canberra Repertory at Theatre 3, 3 Repertory Lane, Acton. Preview, 8pm, Thursday November 20, season from Nov 21 to Dec 6, bookings ot 6257 1950 or canberrarep.org.au