A blue screen opens to reveal a multi-layered set with a New York skyline on the backdrop seen through three large windows.
It opens with a duet, Molly (Rebekah Lowings) and Sam (Josh St. Clair), "Here Right Now", beautifully sung, as are all their numbers. The first act sets up the situation and relationship between the three central characters: Molly, her partner Sam and his workmate and friend Carl (James Mateo-Salt). The following intrigue leads to the accidental shooting of Sam, who becomes a ghost in limbo. He makes contact with a clairvoyant Oda Mae Brown (Jacqui Dubois) and persuades her to help. Although the story is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, the flamboyant Dubois provides a great humorous contrast, immediately having the audience in the palm of her hand.
Based on the hit 1990 movie, Ghost is a story about Sam Wheat who is murdered on his way home and becomes trapped between this world and the next. He learns about the circumstances of his murder and the danger his Molly is in. He must save Molly and see justice done.
The bond they create in the opening scenes makes the end of the show even more heartbreaking. The chemistry between the two is evident from the first scene to the final one. While there are some excellent singing voices, Lowing’s perfectly matches the feeling of loss she portrays throughout. Her performance of "With You" is a stand-out moment.
Apart from Dubois, who has a back-story, most character are a little two-dimensional. The ‘villain’ character of Carl in particular could have been a little nicer initially before the reveal towards the end of act 1, which could almost be said to transcend into panto; however, you can only work with what you are given. Dubois’s interactions with St. Clair, whilst never making eye contact, is a highlight, along with the well-written, hilarious bank scene. Les Dennis plays the Hospital Ghost and Lionel Ferguson from the bank; while he is not a singer, he can certainly deliver a song and with humour. His comic experience was evident in the bank scene bouncing off Dubois, perfect pairing.
It is easy to see the popularity of this show: a capital cast giving powerful performances, superb singing voices, multiple seamless scene changes, crisp choreography (Alistair David) and interesting, solid storyline. Hard to name all the 15-strong cast, but Jules Brown as Willie Lopez and Garry Lee as the subway ghost deserve a mention. Excellent score with music and lyrics by Sunderland multi-award-winning Dave Stewart and other award-winning Glen Ballard; having sold over 250 million albums and records between them, they must be doing something right.
The real stars of this show are the cast themselves and their voices. While the multi-locational scenes are well done, sometimes less is more. The constant changes and group upbeat numbers do not always fit well into the emotional story. This is a Bill Kenwright Ltd production, and, while he is sadly no longer with us, the quality of his productions remains. If strangely you have not seen it or the film, a visit would reward you with 2½ hours' solid entertainment.
Touring until 2025 with a brief break for Christmas.