Ghost
Theatre Royal Brighton
19-23 February 2019
Ghost | Review
It was going to be hard to recreate the iconic 90s love film with Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg on stage with its tale of ghosts trying to communicate from the dead, physical disturbances and walking through doors, let alone recapture the tear-jerking romance between the two lovers Sam and Molly but this show drew the audience in from the start with its wonderful recreation of life in that period and how with one twist tragedy can strike.
This Bill Kenwright production is excellent with songs by Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard. The show had been staged in the West End in 2011 before transferring to Broadway. The touring set was stunningly designed by Mark Bailey and changed smoothly from New York skyline, to Brooklyn streets, to loft apartment, Wall Street offices, to New York subway train. To say nothing of the clever ghost tricks.
The love story of sculptress Molly (Rebekah Lowings) and Wall Street banker Sam (Niall Sheehy) was played so believably well by the two cast members that I was swept up from the start in their emotions. Both are truly amazing on stage. I cried when Molly sang “With You” so beautifully to say nothing of “Unchained Melody” being sung so emotionally in the iconic Potters Wheel scene which left me so sad for her loss and struggle with trying to believe in ghosts.
The comedy element of the crazy psychic Oda Mae (Jacqui Dubois) sets the right balance for the audience as they will her to communicate Sam’s words beyond the grave to a distraught Molly. Her presence fills the stage, she was perfect. It is with great joy and laughter that she is instrumental in fighting for Sam’s moral rights against his best friend Carl (Sergio Pasquariello). Lovonne Richards is superb as the lonely, angry subway ghost who helps Sam discover how to channel his powers. The ensemble offer good support and the choreography from Alistair David is fresh and full of vigour.
Whilst a sad story, it is a tale of belief and love too. The show endorses the age-old heartfelt message – tell people you love them as you never know what tomorrow may bring. Ditto is never enough. Grab a ticket whilst you can, you will not be disappointed.
☆☆☆☆
Reviewer: Sandra Jenkins
Read an interview with Niall Sheehy, Rebekah Lowings and Jacqui DuBois here