Review of Ghost Stories
 | "Well-crafted show brings genuine fear" by Ed Barrett for remotegoat on 10/02/10 |  |
Early on, during David Cardy's masterful portrayal of down-to-earth Londoner Tony Matthews, I had the uncharitable thought that it was a shame so much work had gone into a piece of entertainment rather than some 'serious' theatre. I may not be the ideal reviewer of this show, and have to admit this may be a form of snobbery, as I would never have been so judgemental about a comic piece. But quickly I was caught up in all aspects of the story telling, and before long my admiration of the stagecraft on display overcame my scepticism.
Andy Nyman gave a very effective central performance as Professor Phillip Goodman, a man intent on debunking some of the stories that ensnare the credulous, pitching him somewhere between Derren Brown and Hamlet's best mate and arch sceptic, Horatio. Ryan Cage played young student Simon Rifkind with ease, whilst Nicholas Burns portrayed city trader Mike Priddle to the full, without ever tipping into caricature.
The pacing of the show, and refusal to rely on sudden shocks to substitute for harder-won psychological disturbance, created as attentive an audience atmosphere as I have felt in the theatre. There were enough well-judged moments of humour to prevent the show relying on a single tone; though most of the laughter was of a more nervous kind.
The last time I felt genuine fear was when, after a particularly bruising game of rugby, a radiographer told me to sit very still after previewing an x-ray of my neck. Never-the-less, I feel a little mean only awarding Ghost Stories four stars. The majority of the audience got much more out of the show than I did - and even I have to admit to one genuine jolt of fright. There is no doubt that for most this was not just theatre, but a significant event.
The long list of people involved in the company is some indication of the thought and hard work that has gone into creating a great evening's entertainment. Did I go along expecting to be scared? No - but I was. Even the complete sceptics among you will enjoy a thoroughly entertaining show, and may have to admit to feeling the odd jolt of fear. Anyone with nerves even slightly less steely is in for a roller coaster ride on a powerful ghost train.
| Event Venues & Times | |
| finished | Everyman | 13 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BH |
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