Sheffield Lyceum – until Saturday 15 February 2025
Reviewed by Adam Craddock
5*****
After my last few visits to the theatre at Sheffield Lyceum being all sunshine and roses with some happy go lucky musicals, myself and my partner decided to switch it up and pick up a review for Ghost Stories, the hit horror play by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman.
This is the point where normally I would divulge a bit of a plot summary or some background info but one of the absolute delights about Ghost Stories is that it is a modern day enigma, a story that has largely remained spoiler free. We as reviewers were kindly requested to keep it that way and that I shall do! What I can tell you however is that Ghost Stories may be the best horror play I have seen in terms of holding the suspense right the way through from the first word to the last. The small cast of 4 remarkable actors had the audience in the palm of their hand throughout, playing with us like some prey that they could devour at any moment, yet also lightening the mood when necessary.
Dan Tetsell guides us through the show as the eloquent and charming Professor Goodman. Again it is hard to give a full and flowing review with the constraints on what can and can’t be said but just know that Tetsell is the glue that holds the show together and he performs this role admirably, as well as being given his true chance to shine in the final innings. David Carry is brilliant as Tony Mathews, with brilliant comedic timing and command of his stage. Eddie Loodmer Elliott is solid as Simon Rifkind, with an endearing awkwardness that makes you almost feel sorry for him. Last but not least, Clive Mantle is great as Mike Priddle, with a smarminess and disregard for the others so perfect that you almost want to get up and give him a slap at times!
The set for Ghost Stories is incredible, with scenery and special effects feeling like they were ripped straight out of a West End theatre and have no place being on tour. The scale and innovation of the illusions are awesome, leaving myself and my partner scratching our heads as to how they did most of it. The sound design was perfect for a show such as this, with the claustrophobic quality almost making you feel as if you are in a pressure cooker and could explode at any minute. The lighting was also perfect, lending itself to realism yet tension at the same time.
In conclusion, while I can’t say much about the actual show itself I can say this… go get a ticket YESTERDAY! Ghost Stories is not a play to be missed and I already wish I could re play it all over again for the first time and relive the feeling I got.