Ghost Stories

Theatre has a wonderful capacity to transport you to another world. In the case of Ghost Stories that world is London’s West End. Outside the weather was icy cold, the scenes inside were often dark and foggy, the drama had a few very British frights and a few British laughs.

Leaving the production I was almost surprised to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I half expected to spot a double decker bus and a bobby.

For tourists, and for people who don’t go to the theatre often, this is a safe bet for a spooky night of entertainment. Regular thespians might find it a little less satisfying.

It begins with Professor Goodman (Lynden Jones) briskly walking to a lectern to begin a presentation about ghost sightings. It starts tamely enough with a photo from a wedding beamed up on an AV – where mysterious figures appeared to have been photographed behind the guests.

Then the curtain opens to a number of ‘case studies’ all afflicting men in dark places such as work, on a lonely road and in a haunted nursery.

The pre-publicity warned us that “Ghost Stories contains moments of extreme shock and tension unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15. We strongly advise those of a nervous disposition and any other medical conditions to carefully consider their decision to attend.”

Having been so thoroughly warned that I was about to be frightened it acts as an antidote to shock. Surprise is the element which makes one scream.

This was more like a ride on the Ghost Train at old Luna Park, where you were transported from one spectacle to another.

Perhaps this is a production that would be most enjoyed by those aged a little under 15.

David Spicer

Photographer: Liam O'Keefe.