Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 4th April 2026
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Many will have seen the Daniel Radcliffe film adaptation. This is a radically different story, following closely the original novel by Susan Hill from 1983 and stage adaptation from 1989. I much preferred this to the film.
It’s astounding what can be conjured up with a few draped bits of cloth, a chair or two, a chest, some judicious use of smoke and some lights. And lots of darkness. Indeed, the darkness is such a feature that it’s almost a character in its own right. I confess that I spent a lot of time looking intently into its inky swell. And, yet, the surprises kept coming, thrillingly emerging from the abyss to reward the unwary with an elevated heartbeat and a nervous giggle! What a joyous way to spend an evening.
Although there are only 3 actors in the show, they flesh out the story in commendable fashion. Both male leads take on multiple characters. John Mackay begins as Mr Kipps as we find him desperate to get his story heard but lacking in public presentation skills so he consults an acting coach… Mackay gave a fabulous, full range of troubled souls afflicted by past encounters with the eponymous lady. It was a pleasure seeing such a series of believable portrayals. Combining subtlety with anguish and weariness is no easy task and this was quite the masterclass.
Daniel Burke as The Actor was equally impressive. His stage presence was phenomenal, being equally at home as the coach and the lead in the play within the play. Again, regaling us with the full range of human experience in just a couple of hours takes some doing but Burke pulled it off with aplomb. A delicious performance that had me (dare I say) spellbound from start to finish.
Our ghostly lady is not mentioned by name in the programme but she also deserves a hearty bravo (from a safe distance) as her role demands a perfection of timing which makes the hours of rehearsals that must have taken place evident. To miss-quote Ms Lauper “ghouls just wanna have fun” (apologies) and I imagine playing the ghost is a scream (oops. I did it again).
As I mentioned, sets and lighting play a crucial role, so bravo to Designer Michael Holt and Lighting Designer Kevin Sleep. Another key element was the sound – which was executed with precision to scare the bejeebies out of us. Bravo also, then, to Sound Designer Sebastian Frost and whoever was on the mixing desk!
As any aficionado of ghost stories will know, it’s a lorra-lorra fun being scared witless – so I thoroughly enjoyed this show. There was much crowd bonding between the giggling, so despite what your preconceptions may be, this is a joy filled evening at the theatre. I was just glad the lady sat next to me didn’t have popcorn or it would have been in my lap (did I mention it’s a jumpy show?).
Hauntingly good fun. If you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out so get yourself down to the theatre and remedy this oversight. A very deserved 5 stars from me!