York Theatre Royal – until 23 May 2026
5*****
The Psychic at York Theatre Royal is an engrossing and atmospheric psychological thriller that proves Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman still know exactly how to get under an audience’s skin. While audiences expecting the outright terror of Ghost Stories may find this production a little less frightening, that is not a criticism. Instead, The Psychic leans far more heavily into suspense, manipulation, and psychological unease – and as someone who loves a good psychological thriller, I found it utterly absorbing.
Set within an unsettling world where appearances constantly shift and certainty feels impossible, the play slowly draws the audience into its web. Dyson and Nyman’s writing is sharp and intelligent, balancing dark humour with creeping tension. Rather than relying on jump scares, the production builds an oppressive atmosphere that leaves you questioning every character and every revelation. There are still moments that genuinely make you jump, but the real strength lies in the lingering sense of unease that follows throughout the evening.
The cast are excellent throughout. Eileen Walsh delivers a compelling performance as Sheila Gold, grounding the production emotionally while gradually revealing the layers beneath her character. Megan Placto is equally impressive, in her first professional role, as Tara, bringing warmth and vulnerability that make the unfolding events feel increasingly personal and disturbing.
Frances Barber truly comes into her own in the second half as Rosa. While initially understated, Barber’s commanding stage presence becomes impossible to ignore as the play gathers momentum. She brings both menace and complexity to the role, helping to drive the tension to its gripping conclusion.
Technically, the production is outstanding. Rae Smith’s scenic design deserves enormous praise, creating a set that feels both intimate and deeply claustrophobic. The design works brilliantly with the play’s themes of illusion and uncertainty, constantly making the audience feel slightly off balance. Zoe Spurr’s lighting design is superbly judged, shifting subtly between realism and nightmare without ever becoming overblown, while Nick Manning’s sound design adds another layer of discomfort and suspense. Together, these elements create an immersive atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge throughout.
Proving there is more to him than Sooty, Richard Cadell acts as Showman Consultant along with William Hussey. With Chris Fisher acting as Illusion Designer. Both Cadell and Fisher are members of the Magic Circle and author Hussey grew up in a travelling fairground family.
Ultimately, The Psychic may not be as relentlessly terrifying as Ghost Stories, but it does not need to be. The final act rewards the patience, delivering twists and revelations that are both satisfying and unsettling. This is a more mature and psychologically driven piece of theatre, one that trusts its audience to sit with ambiguity and tension rather than simply startling them. For fans of intelligent thrillers, strong performances, and beautifully crafted atmosphere, it is absolutely worth seeing.