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Ghost Stories

Ghost Stories starts off as good old fashioned story telling at its best but falls madly flat.

27 Sep 2016

Victoria Wyatt

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Performing Arts

Ghost Stories presented by Prince Moo Productions. Image via Perth Theatre Trust.

The marketing tactic ‘under promise and over deliver’ explores the idea that happiness is reality, minus the expectations. Audiences/consumers are simple creatures, if their purchase does what the seller said it would, they’re happy. If it doesn’t, they’re disappointed.

Ghost Stories has a genius marketing strategy that oversells the show to such a point that an audience almost can’t help but be dissatisfied.

Ghost Stories has somehow been seen by over half a million people world-wide, which can only be attributed to the genius of the marketing campaign, as mournfully, the show was nowhere near as petrifying and haunting as promised, except in the scale of lost opportunity.

At its inception in 2010, Ghost Stories received reviews strong enough to take it from Liverpool to a long run in London, that was soon moved to a West End Theatre for an extended multi-year run. Initially, the writers, Jeremy Dyson (The League of Gentlemen) and Andy Nyman (star of ‘Death at a Funeral’ and best known for his work with psychological illusionist Derren Brown), also directed the piece, which would have undoubtedly given it a stronger presence and force. Nyman also starred as Professor Phillip Goodman, Professor of Parapsychology and affable folkloreist that leads audiences through the stories for the evening, so the acting would have also been at its peak, and certainly most believable.

Secrets of the plot will remain thus, as audience members are (very cleverly) asked to ‘keep the secrets’ of Ghost Stories so as not to spoil the experience for new audiences – perhaps the cleverest caveat of all time, as this too somewhat hinders the real truth of how non-scary these stories actually are from being fully revealed.

What is beautiful about this show is the good old fashioned stage craft. Too many modern productions rely on a cacophony of high tech wizardry, but for me theatre is about escapism, and stripping back lighting and sets to the basics of what is necessary to portray the story.

Much like the 2008 staging of Equus on Broadway, or The 39 Steps (currently in the West End), inventive lighting and simple structures combined with the simple initial thrill and anticipation of the various tales, is enough to transport the audience to the scene, but sadly the anticipation and build up is the best bit.

Ghost Stories starts off as good old fashioned story telling at its best, it’s based on a truly wonderfully clever premise, but falls madly flat of the promised: ‘truly terrifying theatrical experience that will make you laugh and scream in equal measures’ and instead of taking you on a ‘chilling journey that you will never forget’, Ghost Stories will most likely be forgotten in a heartbeat.

Rating: 2 stars out of 5

Ghost Stories

Presented by: Prince Moo Productions
Heath Ledger Theatre State Theatre Centre
21 September – 2 October 2016

Warnings: The show includes; strobe lighing, haze, smoke, coarse language, adult themes, horror themes and loud sound effects.
Age Restrictions: Recommended for ages 13+

Disclaimer: Ghost Stories contains moments of extreme shock and tension. The play is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 13. We strongly advise those of a nervous disposition and pregnant women carefully consider their decision to attend.

Victoria Wyatt

About the Author

Victoria Wyatt has worked across the music/festival/theatre scenes in New York, London and Rome for the last 15 years. She is currently back in her hometown of Perth and can be found writing for Artshub, designing sets and interactive displays for children's/community events and stage/production managing around town. Victoria has worked across the music/festival/theatre scenes in New York, London and Rome for the last 15 years. She is currently back in her hometown of Perth and can be found writing for Artshub, designing sets and interactive displays for children's/community events and stage/production managing around town. Victoria has worked across the music/festival/theatre scenes in New York, London and Rome for the last 15 years. She is currently back in her hometown of Perth and can be found writing for Artshub, designing sets and interactive displays for children's/community events and stage/production managing around town. Victoria has worked across the music/festival/theatre scenes in New York, London and Rome for the last 15 years. She is currently back in her hometown of Perth and can be found writing for Artshub, designing sets and interactive displays for children's/community events and stage/production managing around town. Victoria has worked across the music/festival/theatre scenes in New York, London and Rome for the last 15 years. She is currently back in her hometown of Perth and can be found writing for Artshub, designing sets and interactive displays for children's/community events and stage/production managing around town. Victoria has worked across the music/festival/theatre scenes in New York, London and Rome for the last 15 years. She is currently back in her hometown of Perth and can be found writing for Artshub, designing sets and interactive displays for children's/community events and stage/production managing around town. Victoria has worked across the music/festival/theatre scenes in New York, London and Rome for the last 15 years. She is currently back in her hometown of Perth and can be found writing for Artshub, designing sets and interactive displays for children's/community events and stage/production managing around town.