Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 15th March 2025
Reviewed by Alison Beaumont
5*****
Ghost The Musical is based on the 1990 film Ghost starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. It tells the story about a couple, Sam and Molly, whose love is tragically cut short. Whilst walking back to their apartment late one night Sam is murdered. Sam is trapped between this world and the next and when he realises that his love, Molly, is in danger he tries to communicate with her via a Psychic called Oda Mae Brown.
The staging for this musical is excellent and the transitions from one scene to another are flawless. There were bodies miraculously appearing on the stage without you seeing how they got there, and the lighting and special effects are great especially at the end when Sam walks into the light.
Molly Jenson was played by Rebekah Lowings who is absolutely phenomenal both vocally and dramatically. My favourite being when she sang With You. Not only can she sing and act but there were various times when she was at the pottery wheel showing off her skills.
Sam Wheat was played by Josh St. Clair who gave a brilliant performance and good vocals. Both were strong leads who had a real chemistry between them.
When Molly, Sam and Carl (James Mateo-Salt) all sang Here Right Now in the first act it was amazing as they were all singing different but at the same time and it really showed off their professionalism.
The musical had lots of comedy in it which was mostly down to Jacqui Dubois who played the hilarious Oda Mae Brown and had her character down to a tee. Oda Mae’s sisters, Clara (Tanisha Butterfield) and Louse (Keiahna Jackson-Jones) were so funny with their dancing and made a great addition to the scene.
The famous train scene was cleverly done with the subway ghost being played by Garry Lee who did a bit of rapping. I did feel that some of his vocals were not very clear.
Of course I must mention the famous Unchained Melody song. The first time you hear this in the musical it is a bit of an upbeat version when Sam is playing the guitar (another talent of Josh’s) ending with another rendition of it with Sam and Molly dancing to it in the second act.
It is a very emotional musical and at times you may need your tissues.
I would definitely go and watch this musical again.