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David Cardy as night watchman Tony Matthews. Pictures: Hugo Glendinning Ghost Stories Wolverhampton Grand **** Looking for something that gets your
adrenaline pumping? Then, in the finest tradition of British horror
anthologies, Ghost Stories is for you. Ghost Stories is a show that taps
into our more primal fears. The show begins with a Derren Brown style lecture
(unsurprising given Andy Nymans collaborations with the master
mentalist) disproving beyond a shadow of a doubt, the existence of
ghosts. The show goes on to tell us three separate, but equally
disturbing encounters with the supernatural. Dan Tetsel as Professor Goodman holds court as
our guide on this journey into the realm of the unknown. A collection of
photographs and pieces of evidence disproving all things supernatural
lulls us into a false sense of security. We are in a safe pair of hands
with Tetsell. He commands our attention and the moments of audience
interaction are handled with supreme confidence. Each tale is introduced via a seamless translation to a flashback. Aided by a Dictaphone recording and a very versatile set design. First, we meet Tony Matthews, played by David Cardy, a rough and ready foul mouthed geezer nearing the end of his working career, currently doing a stint as a night watchmen in a factory. is isolated in his tiny office with only internet
pornography and an Eastern European with a limited grasp of the language
for company. When he is motivated to perform his two hourly patrol he
encounters more than we anticipated or is it just a guilty conscience?
We are immediately transported back to our lecture theatre where
Professor Goodman certainly thinks so.
We just have time to catch our breath before we
are plunged into our next journey. And it certainly is a journey as we
meet Simon Riffkind driving his way back from a party. We applaud the
set designers ambition in trying to realise a three dimensional vehicle
but at times, from certain angles, it is left a little wanting. However,
Lucas Albion as Simon gives a performance that keeps us on the edge of
our seat and gives us the biggest scare of the night (and that is a
competitive category!) In seconds we are back in the relative comfort of
the lecture hall. Our final ghost story, as far as the professor is
concerned, involves Mike Priddle, arrogant high flying city trader,
played by Clive Mantle. We are now firmly in haunted house territory.
This contains the most brazen supernatural activity yet. Mike’s story is
both emotional and disturbing and once his tale is concluded he takes
over the mantle of guide. From this point on things take a startling
turn but to reveal any more would spoil the climax and break a promise
of secrecy that we are asked to uphold at the very satisfying conclusion
of the piece. So, from here we can discuss the other key
players that contribute to such a memorable evening’s entertainment. For
a show such as this it is key that the lighting accentuates both the
atmosphere and tension, whether it is a simple torch playing over the
audience or headlight temporarily obscuring our vision. It was delivered
with a deft touch. The sound design made the entire experience
immersive for the audience. You felt the constant need to look over your
shoulder but were too scared to do so! Having seen the film version many
years ago this piece reaffirms the power of live theatre. This piece
feels like a collective experience you have shared with the strangers
around you, you have laughed together, screamed together and survived
together. And the most exciting thing about that is that in
Wolverhampton we can do this together until Saturday – 05-07-25. Dexter Whitehead & Paul Evans 01-07-25 |
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