Let’s be honest—when you think of Ghost, images of pottery, Patrick Swayze, and a tearjerker of a soundtrack spring to mind. As I settled into my seat at the Wyvern Theatre last night, I was still struggling to imagine how a supernatural romance full of invisible shenanigans and sudden deaths could be convincingly pulled off on stage.
Spoiler alert: I was wrong. So so wrong.
This production of Ghost the Musical is nothing short of magical. Yep. There’s actual stage magic. Things vanish, people walking through doors, and ghosts flinging people around like they’ve just popped out of The Matrix. It’s as if the show shouted, “You want believable ghosts? Hold my ectoplasm.”
Rebekah Lowings as Molly is an absolute vocal powerhouse. Her rendition of With You was so heartfelt it could soften even the iciest Swindonian.
Josh St Clair’s Sam brought the charm, the emotion, and according to those sitting around me, the good looks—we believed he loved her, even after death. But let’s not dance around it—this show belongs to Jacqui Dubois as Oda Mae Brown. Her every scene was a masterclass in comedy, sass, and full-on spiritual hijinks. The audience adored her, and so did I.
The infamous pottery scene was handled with just the right balance of sensuality and cheeky nostalgia. And yes, Unchained Melody still gives the goosebumps it gave in the ’90s—though this time, without Whoopi Goldberg lurking nearby.
Sadly, I can’t possibly tell you what I really think of Carl… not because I don’t have thoughts (oh, I do), but because I’ve been advised to keep it PG. Let’s just say, if you know, you know — and if you don’t, well, you’re probably better off!
Visually, the show is a treat. Mark Bailey’s set design transforms the Wyvern stage into a moody New York skyline, shifting slickly from Molly and Sam’s new home to subway carriages to hospital corridors. Garry Lee as the Subway Ghost brings a flash of menace, a touch of humour, and a bit of rock ‘n’ roll leather to proceedings.
This show is theatre doing what it does best—making us laugh, cry, gasp, and cheer. And in my case, convincing a hard-to-please sceptic that a film about pottery and poltergeists actually makes a bloomin’ brilliant night out.
Ghost the Musical continues its run at the Wyvern Theatre this week, and I’d genuinely recommend grabbing a ticket IF you still can. And maybe take a tissue—you might need it when Sam sees the light.
