Writers: Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman
Directors: Jeremy Dyson, Andy Nyman and Sean Holmes
The creators of Ghost Stories understand that frequently less is more. Get the atmosphere right and the
audience’s heads will do the rest. And for Ghost Stories, that atmosphere is generated even before we arrive in the theatre with warnings about the content and images of audience members’ reactions.
So it’s no surprise that when we enter the auditorium, there’s a chilling soundscape (Nick Manning), with bass that can be felt right into the gut, and barely discernible flickers of the house lights. The whole is lit atmospherically, with much of James Farncombe’s lighting design being focused, stark and white and often originating at the level of the stage, making the whole look and feel otherworldly. That’s supported by Jon Bausor’s clever set that seamlessly morphs into a myriad of places.
But we start with the affable Professor Goodman (Dan Tetsell) approaching a lectern and starting his lecture on his specialist subject, parapsychology. He asks the audience about their beliefs – who believes in ghosts? Who has had a supernatural experience? He’s engaging as he aims to debunk many ghost stories with rational-sounding explanations, but he tells us there are a few he has come across that are … unusual. He’s recorded testimony of these, which he shares with us. And so we meet a disparate group of men (played by David Cardy, Eddie Loodmer-Elliott and Clive Mantle) who re-enact their experiences.
Our emotions are skillfully played as the anticipation becomes overwhelming. Our nerves increasingly jangling, we’re drawn right in to each individual’s story. It’s clever stuff done by a creative ensemble at the top of their respective games. The writing is tight, the timing exemplary and, of course, there are jumpscares leaving us just a little breathless. But the heavy lifting is done by the imaginations of the audience, steered by the alchemy conjured by the team.
The onstage ensemble gets the mood exactly right, playing their roles with a straight bat. Each individual is believable even as their characters try to articulate the unexpressable with, in at least one case, a refreshing dollop of humour. It’s a fun night of twists and scares – as well as nervous giggles.
As the old ad might have said, Ghost Stories does exactly what it says on the tin. This is a very well-done piece with each component honed by mastercrafters. It’s slick and will leave you energised by the experience, with an elevated pulse rate to boot. Horror aficionados will find much to enjoy, but the attraction isn’t restricted to them: it’s a great night out … if you dare to go and immerse yourself in its world.
Runs until 24 May 2025 and on tour