Ghost The Musical

Based on the 1990 famous Oscar winning film Ghost, Ghost The Musical written by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard brings to theatre audiences once more, the romance and magic of this classic love story.

The stage show follows the film, telling the story of Molly and Sam whose happiness and hopes for the future are brutally shattered when Sam is murdered. Caught between this world and the next, Sam tries to contact Molly (using a charlatan psychic) in an attempt to warn her that she is in grave danger from a so called friend.
Rebekah Lowings (Molly) and Josh ST. Clair (Sam) supported by James Mateo- Salt (Carl) and Jacqui Dubois (Oda Mae Brown) were fabulous. The chemistry between Molly and Sam was evident from the moment the show began as the audience could have been no doubt that they were madly in love with each other. Equally, it was obvious that Carl (one of Sam’s banker colleagues and friend) was fundamentally a devious and ruthless character despite his outward display of care and concern towards Molly. A particular highlight for me were the scenes involving Oda Mae as her comic timing was second to none, particularly during Act 2 when playing opposite Sam’s ghost. These scenes contributed some light relief to what otherwise could have become quite heavy going.

The talented cast all possess exceptional vocal skills. The harmonies achieved between Molly and Josh were spine tingling, if a little loud in places, whilst Oda Mae’s number in Act 2 ‘I’m Outta Here’ almost brought the house down. Also of note were the two ghosts, who like Sam were trapped between this world and the next. The hospital ghost, Tim Maxwell’s, rendition of ‘You Gotta Let Go’ was beautifully executed whilst the anger and frustration was of the subway ghost (Garry Lee) was plain to see and hear.

The band were expertly led by musical director Jordan Alexander. Generally a good balance was maintained between his musicians and the vocalists. I must make a mention of that one infamous song ‘Unchained Melody’ beautifully performed by Sam with his guitar refrains of which were hauntingly heard throughout the performance.

The director, Bob Tomson, and his creative team have much to be proud of for this production. The staging, whilst simple, was very effective and the numerous scene changes took place seamlessly throughout the evening, as various flats were slid into position or removed at either side of the stage and also lowered from above. Similarly the lighting complimented each change of scene. Of note was the use of a bright white light to differentiate between this life and the afterlife. Also of note was the choreography by Alistair David, especially the placement and moving of the characters from this life to the afterlife, notably when Oda is replaced by Sam for one last hug with Molly.

Bruce Joel Rubin’s book successfully coverts this timeless classic from the screen to the stage, and even though I have seen the film many times and know the story oh so well, I still needed my packet of tissues to hand at the end. I was not alone!

Sheffield Lyceum until 15th March