Fans of the hugely successful 1990 film Ghost who are worried that the stage musical will not be a faithful translation will have their fears mollified (or should that be Molly-fied?) when they enter the theatre and see the opening lyrics to Unchained Melody emblazoned right across the front gauze.
Jacqui Dubois as Oda Mae Brown and the Cast of Ghost The Musical | Photo © Alastair Muir
The Righteous Brothers song was one of the most beloved aspects of the film, and it is sung three times throughout the musical, though never in its entirety.
The remaining songs are written by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, and it’s fair to say that very few of them are striking or memorable; but when they are delivered by such accomplished singers and against such effective staging, it really doesn’t matter.
This is a beautifully measured production which will have you reeling at the effects and laughing at the gags before grabbing your heart, wrenching it out and wringing it dry at the end.
The story has been updated to the present day (everyone has smartphones) and Mark Bailey’s astonishingly versatile set seamlessly morphs from roomy Brooklyn apartments to grimy subways, from a stunning Manhattan backdrop to the inevitable celestial plane.
Adroit lighting design by Nick Richings cleverly conceals the mechanics of many of Richard Pinner’s stunning illusions, which produces bodies out of nowhere and objects moving and rotating seemingly on their own, while Bob Tomson’s direction wrings every drop of humour, tension and melancholy from the narrative.
As the grieving Molly, Rebekah Lowings gives us an absolute masterclass in singing and acting, fully fleshing out a potentially one-note lead character. Her vocals are gorgeous and moving, especially during With You, and her grief is fully channelled and never overplayed; it is not surprising that she has been asked back to repeat the role in this touring production.
As the deceased Sam, Josh St Clair has a suitably likeable stage persona and handles both the poignancy and action very confidently. Interestingly though, Sam’s understudy is James Mateo-Salt who plays his colleague and friend Carl; James has a more tangible natural chemistry with Molly than Josh appears to, alongside excellent movement and sublime vocals, and it would be intriguing to see the show with the two actors in the others’ roles.
Rounding up the principals are Jacqui Dubious who gives us a hilariously-timed and never-overplayed dodgy medium Oda Mae Brown, and TV favourite Les Dennis playing two small roles including an endearing soft-shoe-shuffling hospital ghost.
Ghost has moved smoothly and confidently to a beyond-the-grave life as a stage musical, and its superb effects, staging and acting bring real West End class to Bath. Treat yourself, but don’t forget to bring a boxful of tissues to share along with the sweets.
Ghost The Musical is showing at Theatre Royal Bath until 23rd November. Box office: 01225 448844.
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Reviewer: Steve Huggins
