REVIEW: Ghost at the Everyman Theatre Cheltenham

Cheltenham

“Oh my love, my darling…I’ve hungered for your touch.” These words perfectly encapsulate the spirit of a tale that cannot fail to stir the heart and soul. Heart wrenching and poignant yet funny and heartwarming, Ghost the Musical is a breathtaking rollercoaster of emotion, which leaves you clutching tissues, wanting hope against hope to believe and falling in love all over again.

 

 

Based on the 1990 Oscar winning film, Ghost the Musical tells the story of ill-fated couple Molly and Sam whose lives are changed forever when Sam is tragically murdered. Trapped between this world and the next Sam desperately tries to communicate with Molly when he realises she is in danger with the help of somewhat reluctant psychic medium Oda Mae Brown and hew newly discovered real gift.

With an adapted screenplay for the stage by Bruce Joel Rubin and music and lyrics by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, Ghost the Musical retains many of the beautiful, dramatic and heartfelt elements of the much-loved film. The backdrop of corporate Brooklyn New York is impressive and there are some very nifty scene changes as we move to and from the city and Molly and Sam’s apartment.

 

 

Unfortunately, I did miss some key iconic moments from the film, the potter’s wheel scene and the attack on Sam, as was sat behind the tallest people in the theatre. However, thanks to the amazing team at the Everyman I was able to locate myself, minus a booster cushion, elsewhere for the second act. As such I didn’t miss creepy Carl Bruner (James Mateo- Salt) and wicked Willie Lopez (Jules Brown) getting their comeuppance and Oda Mae’s hilarious trip to the bank.

The cast was small but mighty with strong performances all round particularly as hoped by Rebekah Lowings (Molly Jenson) and Josh St Clair (Sam Wheat) who were just captivating in the expression of their love, heartbreak and grief. Alongside the iconic Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody, Molly’s rendition of ‘With You’ is a heartbreaking reminder to have those conversations and hold loved ones close for as long as you can while you can.

 

 

Even those with more minor roles firmly made their marks despite the lack of scope timewise to fully explore their characters. There were entertaining cameo appearances by Les Dennis as the hospital ghost and Lionel Ferguson and the Subway Ghost’s dark and sinister roars of “Get off my train!” sent tingles down your spine.

Undoubtedly though, the star of the show was Jacqui Dubois as the big-hearted, exuberant, very funny and endearing Oda Mae Brown. The inclusion of many of her iconic lines from the film were delivered with spot on comic timing in every single one.  Jacqui’s performance of “I’m outta here’ with Oda Mae’s fabulous sidekicks Clara (Tanisha Butterfield) and Louise (Keiahna Jackson-Jones) is a standout foot tapping, feel good, love and live life song. You go girls!

If you loved the film, you’ll love the musical. A standing ovation on the first night says far more than I could ever do in a review. A very enjoyable piece of musical theatre, loved it.

Review by Lady Janey

 

 

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