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Ghost The Musical (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 2nd May 2013
Having seen Ghost The Musical a few times in the West End I was a little sceptical when a tour was announced. I know it's wrong to have preconceptions but I simply didn't think it would be possible for such a ground breaking, technical show to go on tour. I am thrilled to report that I have been proved wrong...
Ghost The Musical is adapted from the 1990 Oscar winning film but you don't have to know the film inside out to love every second of the musical. If you adore the film, seeing the stage adaptation for the first time will be a truly magical experience, only a few slight details of the story have been altered. If you are not familiar with the film prepare to sit back and be taken on an unforgettable journey. Ghost introduces us to Sam and Molly, a young couple who are madly in love. However, after being murdered, Sam finds himself trapped between worlds and has to try and save Molly's life. Perhaps in writing this sounds a little cheesy but on stage the story is strong and hugely engaging.
Wendy Mae Brown plays Oda Mae Brown, a crazy psychic lady who discovers she can speak to the dead. Wendy steals the show with her enormous wigs, dazzling costumes, impeccable comic timing and her extraordinary vocal talents. Wendy's performance as Oda Mae Brown is hard to fault, she appears to be at home on stage.
It took me a short while to warm to Stewart Clarke and Rebecca Trehearn as Sam and Molly. Stewart sings the score effortlessly and with tremendous power. His fierce vibrato sent shivers down my spine. Coincidently I have previously seen Rebecca play Molly when she understudied the role in the West End (she has since been promoted to playing the role full time). It is wonderful to see how she has grown into the role and has made it her own. She used her exceptional vocal control to portray each and every emotion Molly experiences. The softer side of her voice is so gentle and pure and when she sings with force you can feel Molly's pain and agony. Rebecca also performs the text beautifully.
Ghost is a revolutionary musical. Rob Howell's design is astounding, the most impressive I have ever seen. The set changes look incredibly complex but are conducted seamlessly. The show is so modern and feels like a breath of fresh air. But it is not all about the design as Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard's score is stunning. What makes Ghost so good is that one minute you are left open mouthed by incredible illusions and the next you are left open mouthed by the phenomenal music.
Rebecca Trehearn's performance of 'With You' was my favourite part of the show. For the song's entirety Rebecca simply sits in a spotlight clutching a pillow, half way through the song she turns to face the audience - it is that simple. The song sees Molly write a letter to Sam in which she attempts to put her thoughts and feelings into words. The song left me spellbound, I think it is one of the best musical theatre songs written in recent years. Other stand out musical numbers include Suspend My Disbelief / I Had A Life and Rain / Hold On. Both are lengthy numbers which cleverly tell large parts of the story through mixing a number of melodies which eventually come together and build up to spectacular climaxes. Fans of the film will be delighted to hear that Unchained Melody is cleverly featured a few times throughout the show.
Ghost is not perfect, since transferring to Broadway the musical has received a makeover. A few musical numbers have been replaced and altered. You Gotta Let Go is one of the new songs but is only marginally better than the one it replaced. Unfortunately it stands out as the shows weakest number. The alterations made to Life Turns On A Dime seem a little pointless but obviously if you haven't seen the show you will not notice these issues (I am being a little picky). Ghost begins with video footage and the show's title is projected onto the front of the stage which I strongly dislike - if I wanted to go to the cinema, I would. I love the projections used throughout the course of the musical, I just don't feel it should begin in this way.
Ghost plays with your emotions. It constantly changes from being hilarious one minute, to being powerful and heartbreaking the next. The storyline is strong which keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Ghost really pulls at the heartstrings, I noticed different audience members in floods of tears at various stages throughout the show.
I initially presumed that Ghost would appeal to a slightly younger audience but as the cast took their bows I overheard an elderly gentleman say "that was the best musical I have ever seen, I have never seen anything like it". Therefore I think as long as you are open minded and happy to try something new there is no reason why you shouldn't enjoy Ghost immensely. Ghost The Musical will always hold a special place in my heart.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Ghost The Musical runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 11th May 2013.
For further information, tour dates and tickets please visit www.ghostthemusical.com
Totally agree I hated the three new songs however it didn't stop me from loving the show - wish it could return to london full time!!!!
ReplyDeleteMe too didn't like the song changes. Think the soundtrack was perfect before. Other then that it's an improved version of the show even though I miss the spectacular ending of westend that couldn't be taken to your due to light restrictions
ReplyDeleteSorry but I loved the show at the Piccadilly and loved it even more at Wimbledon and the song that replaces that awful "ball of wax" is so much better, as is the whole show now. I would never have believed that with such a huge set and lighting rig, this show could transfer from venue to venue so quickly. I could not fault any of the performances, especialy outstanding was Stewart Clarke as Sam Wheat and the strangley coincindentaly named Wendy Mae Brown playing Oda Mae Brown (who I consider to be better than Sharon D Clarke in the west end original. Go see Ghost - you won't ne disappointed, its sensational. Martin
ReplyDeleteGhost is my favourite musical, so pleased to see a five star review! Yipee
ReplyDeleteghost is my fav musical! booking holidays to coincide with the tour.
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