GHOST the Musical, based on the 1990 film, has been around for several years, having had its world premiere in 2011. Although I love musicals, this was one of those I’d bypassed as I wasn’t particularly into the film. Very often you can be completely wrong in avoiding a musical because you don’t like the film, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it is much better than the film for me.
The story begins with Molly and Sam taking the next step in their lives moving into a new apartment. Sam, a banker, is then murdered, but he doesn’t move into the light and remains as a ghost to try and save Molly. Rebekah Lowings as Molly and Josh St. Clair as Sam show the most incredible chemistry between them. With amazing voices, they are so watchable throughout. Jacqui Dubois as Oda Mae Brown the medium, whom she thinks is fake, suddenly finds out she can hear people and Sam uses her to find out the truth. Jacqui Dubois also has a breathtaking voice. Les Dennis shows what a superbly professional he is playing the Hospital Ghost and Lional Ferguson.
The stage effects work brilliantly, with some of the best lighting effects to complement it. My favourite scene was certainly the subway with the very aggressive Subway Ghost played by Garry Lee.
There are plenty of elements from the film, to keep those happy that loved it, including the potter’s wheel, where an intimate moment is shared.
The songs may not be memorable, but they do work incredibly well, helping to develop and move the story forward. Unchained Melody was delicately placed during intimate moments, rather than becoming a focal point.
Although I never expected to enjoy this show based on the film, I came away having an amazingly engrossed evening.
Ghost The Musical runs until Saturday 28th September at Darlington Hippodrome.
