Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 26th July 2025
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Malvern gets all the best shows, many from or to the West End – and tonight we are treated to yet another as Ghost Stories hits town.
The story follows a lecture on the Paranormal by Professor Goodman. This includes some genuinely interesting facts and lots of spooky photos and some hearty laughs. In the course of the lecture the Professor recounts 3 stories which he considers the pick of his crop – and these, of course, are enacted out live on stage for us…
The action literally starts in explosive fashion, signaling that this show is very loud and very jumpy! The sheer volume had me off my seat (so anyone with a hearing aid would be advised to perhaps turn it down a little (or at least keep their finger on the volume control)).
The first story concerns a nightwatchman on his wee small hours shift in a broken down factory. David Cardy plays Tony Matthews with a wonderful world-weary charm. He even makes this rather flawed man very likable, which is no mean feat. His performance brings the sunshine (in more ways than one).
The second vignette brings us the tale of a car ride home that goes awry. This time it’s Preston Nyman (as Simon Rifkind) who takes the plaudits in a portrayal that is full of youthful vigour and nervous energy, elevating this middle tale with his presence.
The final case gives us Clive Mantle as Mike Priddle giving us a shocking tale from the cradle to the grave. Another outstanding performance with impressive range – everything from in charge alpha male to losing the plot mania. A delicious concoction.
And throughout is Lucas Albion as Professor Goodman, holding the evening’s entertainment together with a suitably odd lecturer (as you would perhaps expect from someone in this field of expertise). A powerhouse performance that I enjoyed enormously.
The set, designed by Jon Bausor, is a clever affair making much from sliding panels, shifting walls and dark corners. Indeed, the dark is a character in its own right. A big hand also to Lighting Designer James Farncombe for lots of atmospheric lighting – everything coming together to create the perfect atmosphere for the tales, immersing us in the play in exemplary fashion. There’s some rather catchy music too.
It’s a difficult one to review without giving away spoilers (something we are asked not to do at the conclusion) – so I’ll confine myself to just saying that the intimate moments are charming, the big set pieces are dramatic and impactful and the humour is a constant (and welcome) joy. Couple that with stellar performances from actors on top form and a story that has a genuine surprise ending and you have one smash hit on your hands. I think comedy and stage horror are the most difficult things to pull off and the writers (Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman) have pulled off this trick well – so kudos to them.
I have no hesitation in recommending this play for your viewing pleasure (or displeasure as it’s a horror), so pop along, sit on the edge of your seat and try not to fall on the floor when the jumps come. You’ll have a blast!