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Ghost Stories Malvern Theatres ***** Fear is a strange old thing isn’t it? Many of us are repelled at the thought of horror, but many more (like me) are drawn to it. If the love of being afraid is phobophilia, then anybody with said condition should be watching Ghost Stories, without a doubt. This show takes your fears, twists them viciously, and throws them back at you with glee. The clever and layered writing also delights in subverting what you might be expecting. Beginning life as a stage play at the Liverpool Playhouse in 2010, it transferred across to the West End shortly after, running for many years. Ghost Stories also became a hit film of the same name in 2017, starring co-creator Andy Nyman as main narrator and supernatural-cynic Professor Goodman. Funnily enough, I had seen the film years ago, finding it one of the most intriguing and terrifying experiences of my life. It was like no other film experience I had ever had. It unsettled, was bleak, and incredibly creative in pulling apart what we assumed to be real. So, you can imagine, I was excited beyond all reason to discover the origins of the film; that it had begun as a theatre piece. Written by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, the live show is, without doubt, the most immersive and technically accomplished theatre experience of my life. And here’s the thing, you don’t just see it, you live it, via staggering sound and light design, clever speaker placement causing genuine screams of terror from behind me, disturbing realisations and shocks, plus unbearable tension that had me gritting my teeth.
David Cardy as the nightwatchman The one-act show forces different perspectives on us, the audience, and allows us to constantly be watching for things in the dark, things in the shadows. I’ll be honest, I was looking for and seeing things that probably weren’t even things, which demonstrates how alert and anxious the show made me feel. And it doesn’t let up, besides the brief ‘lecture’ moments that provide much-needed levity. Even as you first walk into the theatre, you are greeted by an overwhelming buzzing hum that vibrates into your bones. Also, on the stage is a huge safety curtain that, seems to create the idea of a story ready to be unwrapped in layers, which is entirely befitting this intense and intelligent collection of stories, all forming the investigations of professional sceptic Professor Goodman, played to cynical perfection by a fanatical Lucas Albion. We also get to meet chirpy, weathered nightwatchman Tony Matthews, who was by far my favourite (and the most likeable) character. David Cardy plays this character with humorous aplomb and produced the most laughs from the audience. We also meet Simon Rifkind, played by Eddie Loodmer-Elliot, a young mummy’s boy who is nervously running (or driving) from the disapproval of his overbearing parents. Preston Nyman shows the vulnerability of this character well. The whole car at night set-piece is a particular stand-out.
Fear comes with high interest rates Clive Mantle's for city high flyer The final part of the trio of main characters is played impressively by Clive Mantle who looms larger than life as the arrogant investment banker Mike Priddle, whose recent birth of his first child with his ‘trophy’ wife did not go quite to plan. And whose perfect, moneyed lifestyle hides neglect and superficiality. Clive also uses his body well, from unpleasant laughter to gesticulations which demonstrate his impatience and lack of care. A very special mention must go to the set and costume designer, Jon Bausor. I cannot give anything away, but a lot of what you see taking place before you is literally jaw-dropping. My companion described the set-design changes as seamless and stunning. The way the initial stage lecture style falls away to unlock what appears to be the inside of huge, hollow, various buildings, is extremely impressive, and I would love to know how they achieved it all. Especially without an interval. It was like watching a movie unfold on the stage, in 3D. This is what live theatre was made for, and it was a joy to behold. Look out for many easter eggs along the way, and it is fascinating to observe how Professor Goodman’s initial anti-spook fanaticism gradually gives way to… other, more disturbing suggestions, weakening our narrator as the story evolves. It was brilliant hearing people shriek and laugh in the theatre. This was masterful. This is knowing writing. It knows exactly what it is doing to its audience. And if you have any interest or fascination with fear, and of feeling scared, you MUST see this show. I would watch it again in a heartbeat… if my heart could stand it. Ghost Stories is rattling bones in Malvern until Saturday 26th. Karen Cave 22-07-25 |
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