š Ghost Stories
š The Lyric, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2TRĀ
š Tuesday 4th February 2025
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BONE CHILLINGLY BRILLIANT
There's spooky goings on this week at Theatre Royal Plymouth as the West End hit GHOST STORIES is in town as part of a UK tour.
One of the cleverest productions I've seen on the stage, GHOST STORIES follows Professor Goodman as he gives a talk on paranormal sightings, and breaks down selected cases giving reasonable and scientific reasons for their occurrence. He has interviewed many people over the years who have claimed to have had ghostly experiences, and of those there are only three that have stayed with him. The play looks at these three individual stories in detail and we are left to make our own minds up about their plausibility and authenticity.
The three stories are from Toby Matthews - a night watchman working his last shift, Simon Rifkind - a young guy on his way home from a party, and Mike Priddle - an expectant father. I don't want to say any more about the plot, as what is really good about this play is the way it builds suspense. There are times when there's not actually very much happening. but at the same time your mind is racing and your eyes are darting about the stage as you anxiously prepare for something to transpire.
The writing by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman is exquisite and is meticulous in its construction, taking the audience to the edge of fear through both subtle suggestion and in your face encounters. Along with director Sean Holmes, the creative team wonderfully misdirects the audience and chills them to the bone.
The set design by Jon Bausor is a thing of beauty. Wonderfully clever and versatile, and especially impressive for a touring production. James Farncombe's lighting design and Nick Manning's sound design wonderfully enhance the tension in the story, and alongside mesmerising special effects by Scott Penrose, GHOST STORIES a technical triumph.
The cast here are absolutely sublime. Dan Tetsell, David Cardy, Eddie Loodmer-Elliot and Clive Mantle give a masterclass in acting. They all completely embody their charachters and each give mesmerising performances. Often there is only one actor on stage at a time and they each completely draw you in to their situation. It is rare to find an audience as respectful as the one I experienced last night, but the sheer brilliance of these actors and the story they were telling had everyone in captivated silence. Of course there were some universal screams and jumps, but you'd expect no less from a show called GHOST STORIES!
Expect the unexpected with GHOST STORIES. The way the show builds up each story to a huge ending and then brings you straight back down to earth is incredible. Running through without an interval means that the illusion is never broken and keeps the audience transfixed.
This show is flawless. It's definitely creepy at times and I genuinely had chills while watching this incredible piece of theatre come to life on the stage.
GHOST STORIES continues performances at Theatre Royal Plymouth until Saturday 8th February. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS ... if you dare!
Neill Kovacic-Clarke
All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.
My ticket for this performance of Ghost Stories was gifted by the Theatre Royal Plymouth who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.
CAST LIST:
Dan Tetsell as Professor Goodman; David Cardy as Tony Matthews; Eddie Loodmer-Elliott as Simon Rifkind; Clive Mantle as Mike Priddle
RUNNING TIME (approx):
1 hour 25 minutes, with no interval
CONTENT WARNINGS:
Flashing lights; Smoke; Haze; Tobacco depiction; Strong language; Sexual noises; Depictions of suicide; Themes of loss; Loud music and noise; Prolonged darkness; Tension; Moments of extreme shock
AGE GUIDELINE:
15+
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