REVIEW: Ghost at Sunderland Empire

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Ghost

Sunderland Empire

Until Saturday 31 August 2024

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/GHOSTatSunderland 

Sunderland musician Dave Stewart co-wrote the music and lyrics with Glen Ballard for a musical which has returned to Wearside this week for the first first time in 5 years. Based upon the popular 1990 film, the romantic musical still hits a chord with audiences today.

2019 Production of Ghost

What is it about? A couple settle down together and start talking about marriage. One, Molly is artistic and creates pottery exhibits for exhibitions, whilst Sam is a banker looking after large accounts. During a robbery, one of them is killed leaving the other one devastated. However the murdered spirit is left in limbo and relies on a con-artist/physic to communicate warnings and to try to get resolution.   

2019 Production of Ghost

The strength of the show relies on the believability of the four leads. Rebekah Lowings and Josh St. Clair appear as the loved up couple Molly and Sam. They have moved into an apartment in Brooklyn and are planning to start the next phase of their life together. There is a need for the audience to buy into this relationship for the show to work. Likewise, we need to accept that Carl (James Mateo-Salt) is a friend that they both get on with and trust and that psychic Oda Mae (Jacqui Dubois) was a grifter that is surprised when she finally connects with those on the other side. If we accept these characters and, and this is important, care about them, then Ghost becomes a joyful ride. Fortunately we have a well matched cast that delivers.

2019 Production of Ghost

This is a musical and in addition to the Righteous Brother's Unchained Melody, we have some pretty functional songs that you'd expect to propel the narrative of such a production. The songs themselves often tell you how a character feels but they don't stick in the memory or work that well outside the confines of the musical. 

2019 Production of Ghost

That said, we get some great heartfelt delivery of these songs. Rebekah Lowlings shines when singing With You, Jacqui Dubois brings her personality to I'm Outta Here and Josh St. Clair hits the right emotional note in Teach Me How. 

One also needs to acknowledge the cameo role of Les Dennis, as the Hospital Ghost, who hits the tone perfectly after a tragic scene. He reminds us of his talents during You Gotta Let Go Now.

Director Bob Tomson has delivered a tight story that runs just under two hours, plus interval, that will please fans of the film. It hits the right emotional notes in the right places and moves with a fair pace, thanks in part to a busy cast and crew moving props on and off without a break in the action. 

2019 Production of Ghost

There is some moments of great choreography from Alistair David, especially around the involvement of Garry Lee as the Subway Ghost. 

Ghost is a popular story as it explores the delicate issues of untimely death and redemption. Likewise, this musical is an entertaining and heart warming evening's entertainment. Another great production cementing Sunderland Empires reputation as a North East venue that can attract West End shows.     

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photo: Pamela Raith

Tickets:

Ghost The Musical is appearing at Sunderland Empire’s stage from Tuesday 27 – Saturday 31 August 2024. Tickets available online now from our affiliates ATG Tickets at https://tinyurl.com/GHOSTatSunderland  *

* A £3.95 transaction fee may apply to online bookings.