Ghost Stories
Do you genuinely love to be scared? Is there nothing better than a jump scare moment? Are you intrigued by a mysterious story of the spectrally unknown?
If you answer yes to any of the above, then you will love Ghost Stories!
Written by Jeremy Dyson (The League of Gentleman) and Andy Nyman (co-creator of Derren Brown’s television and stage shows), Ghost Stories first captivated audiences in the West End before touring across the world. It is easy to see why people are still flocking to see the production and have themselves scarred by these terrifying goose bump moments.
Sean Homes direction (alongside writers Dyson and Nyman), has us looking in one direction, only for the jump scare moments to approach us from the other. James Farncombe’s Lighting Design covers the cleverest of stage tricks, (special effects by Scott Penrose), while Nick Manning’s Sound Design completes the horror triangle for successfully terrifying the audience.
The piece begins with Professor Goodman explaining his investigations into the paranormal. A clear sceptic, he is there to debunk any ideas that proof of the paranormal exists. He tells us three stories of hauntings from three separate “witnesses.” A night-watchman, a teenage boy and a businessman awaiting his first child.
The Set and Costume Design by Jon Bausor, transports us seamlessly into the stories that Professor Goodman is describing to us through his investigations, it sucks us in and makes the audience feel a part of the story.
Dan Tetsell plays Professor Goodman, his narration and presentation have audiences gasping in shock and questioning their beliefs from the start. Perfectly setting up the stories of his three investigations.
David Cardy is Tony Matthews, the Night-watchman, Lucas Albion is Simon Riffkind, the teenage boy and Clive Mantle is Mike Priddle, the businessman. Each are compelling to listen to as they tell us their stories. Each have enough funny moments to allow us to identify with their characters, but also enough questionable moments to have audiences wondering what exactly it is that is going on here.
This small cast have audiences gripping their seats, not only with their performances, but also with fear. Everything comes together perfectly and the ending (don’t worry, there are no spoilers here!) has audiences putting together all the little breadcrumbs that have been left throughout the performance.
Be prepared for a night at the theatre like no other, but beware, this is not for the young or the faint hearted. Strap in, it’s a bumpy ride!
This production was reviewed on the 1st July 2025 at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre where it's currently running until the 5th July 2025. Tickets available here: Ghost Stories | Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Full tour dates can be found here: Ghost Stories The Play
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
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Photo credit : Hugo Glendinning
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