GHOST THE MUSICAL

(Bill Kenwright Productions)

Malvern Festival Theatre

Andy Moss & Carolyn Maitland

The new touring production of Ghost the Musical opened to a sell out at Malvern Theatres this week. Not one ‘celebrity’ in the cast and yet the auditorium was full. This is testament to the huge impact this iconic movie, starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoppi Goldberg, had on the great British public nearly 27 years ago. Fans of the film will not be disappointed.

This scaled down version of the West End hit works really well as a touring show, with most of the iconic scenes remaining and the special effects perfectly adapted for the demands of different venues. Bob Tomson directs the action through Mark Bailey’s excellent stage design that moves from place to place with fluidity and ease, never halting or interrupting the flow of narrative. This is a loud musical and, as with many musicals, the sound on opening night could have been better. The volume was so high at times it was distortive. The second act, however, was much better and I don’t have any doubt that this will be resolved by the second night. Having said this, the vocals were stunning and Tim Whiting’s band is superb.

The lead character, Sam, is currently being played by the understudy Sam Ferriday, who is normally in the other lead male role of Carl. Ferriday is brilliant and very likeable. It is difficult to imagine him in the part of the baddie, who is now convincingly played by Ethan Bradshaw. One can only imagine just how difficult it must be to understudy opposite the part you usually play, let alone sing a different part in songs you usually sing. An impressive and unenviable accomplishment by Ferriday. The incredibly talented Carolyn Maitland is divine as Molly. Her performance throughout is heartbreaking and utterly captivating. Jacqui Dubois is hilarious as Oda Mae Brown and completely owns the part afforded her. A diverse ensemble play a variety of characters with notable performances from Garry Lee Netley as the Subway Ghost and James Earl Adair, who delivers the most beautiful rendition of You Gotta Let It Go as the Hospital Ghost.

The weakest element of the show is the choreography, which appears basic, unimaginative and repetitive. It is attempting to be contemporary in style but lacks content and doesn’t challenge the cast of apparently capable dancers. Dave Stewart’s and Glen Ballard’s music and lyrics aren’t a standard musical theatre format and the songs don’t stick in your head. Even though the score is easily forgettable, the story is one that really tugs on the heartstrings and the cast give a performance worthy of the standing ovations.

Ghost runs at Malvern Festival Theatre until Saturday before continuing on tour. If you are fortunate enough to have tickets, you’re in for a treat!

4 stars