Review: Ghost Stories at the Arts Theatre
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London Theatre Direct
The creators of Ghost Stories have made the show even scarier following its 2010/11 West End run. Whilst horror films are hugely popular we don’t see so much horror on stage at it is very challenging. However, Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman certainly do the genre justice and horror fans can certainly expect to have their experience enhanced by this terrifying theatrical experience.
From the moment I stepped foot into the Arts Theatre the loud and nervous atmosphere had me on edge. Press and audiences are asked to keep the play’s plot a secret so I won’t delve into what actually happens once the lights go down and the performance begins…
Ghost Stories is a very clever piece of theatre, the backstage crew must be awfully busy yet deliver a seemingly slick show. The design appears simple but is actually very stylish and most importantly atmospheric – the set can change the atmosphere from claustrophobic to eerie in a matter of seconds.
The play will scare you if you want to be scared. Perhaps it’s less suited to those more serious about the horror genre as Ghost Stories is also comical and, at times, a little light hearted. The mood is carefully played to build and build suspense. There were plenty of screams, jumps and leaning on somebody’s shoulder for comfort throughout the evening. I was part of a very vocal audience and I’m sure most performances are the same.
I think it’s fantastic that Ghost Stories has returned as, other than The Woman in Black, we rarely see anything similar in the West End. For 80 minutes Ghost Stories will transport you into a completely different world and have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
Ghost Stories will provide a scary yet thrilling theatrical experience, it’s always nice to have a good scream one in a while!
4/5
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins
Photo Credit: Alistair Muir
Ghost Stories is currently booking at the Arts Theatre until 24th May 2014.