Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 3 May 2025
Reviewed by Louise Ford
3***
Nothing is quite what it seems.
Before I start my review I think I should come clean on my dislike of all ”things scary”. I love the idea of thrills and suspense, but the reality is just too much. At last year’s Goose Fair I was “keen” to have a go on the waltzers, it had been a while since I’d last visited. However once in my seat, and well and truly strapped in, I couldn’t wait for the ride to end. I had my eyes firmly shut throughout and sang hymns in my head. So watching Ghost Stories was going to be a bit of a trial! Spoiler alert I did keep my eyes shut for a lot of the story Although I could feel my theatre buddy jumping at the scary scenes.
So back to the theatre. In the advertising, publicity and before the performance we are asked not to reveal any of the stories or twists. The first rule of Ghost Stories is not to talk about Ghost Stories!
After a successful West End run Ghost Stories is now on a nationwide tour. The play is written by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman.
From the get go the theatre is set for an evening of tension and paranormal experiences.
The set design is particularly impressive (Jon Bausor). The scenes move seamlessly between a factory, a hospital ward and a nursery. And a couple of other scenes that I won’t spoil the surprise. The use of light (Abbi Clarke) and shadow plays tricks on your eyes to create a distorted sense of space and atmosphere.
Having said that the use of light to create a distorted perspective is impressive, there are times when the lights are overly blinding.
Coupled with the clever lighting is the use of sound (Nick Manning). From the little noises from the back of the auditorium to the full blown “crash bang wallop “ sounds and the echoing silence makes for a full auditory experience. For me at times the sound was overpowering with the volume a bit too high.
The first scene is a lecture on Paranormal Events and Activities. The lecture on parapsychology is delivered by Professor Goodman (Dan Tetsell), who engages the audience from the get go with a show of hands. You are part of the story from the beginning all experiences are valued! The rest of the cast (there are only five cast members, all men) take it in turns to recount their own experiences to the Professor. On balance each character is on the whole unlikeable. There’s Tony Matthew’s (David Cardy), Simon Riffkind (Eddie Loodmer-Elliott) and Mike Priddle (Clive Mantle), all with an unusual tale to tell. After each re-enactment the Professor reviews the “facts”and looks to evaluate if the events are evidence of paranormal activity or rather something more “rational ”. The impact of guilt and toxic masculinity are touched on, but not examined in huge detail, to explain the events. There are also some moments of humour which help to break up the tension. But hey who doesn’t love an upturned torch illuminating a face!