Ghost the Musical (2024-2025): Review
AD: Press Tickets thanks to Malvern Theatres
If you’re old enough to remember the 90s, the chances are you watched the 1990 Oscar-winning film version of Ghost. It was an iconic love story with a generous helping of vintage Swayze to enhance the visuals. There aren’t many films from that era that stick in the memory, so one as well-loved as this had to be brilliant when it hit the stage as a musical. We headed to Malvern Theatres this evening to see how it shaped up.
About Ghost the Musical
Ghost the Musical is an adaptation of the original film script by its writer, Bruce Joel Rubin. Having played several sell-out seasons in the West End and on Broadway, it embarked on international tours. True to the film, The Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody features heavily, alongside some other fantastic songs, co-written by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart.
If you don’t already know the story from watching the film and want to keep it that way, skip the next couple of paragraphs!
Ghost follows the tragic journey of Sam and Molly, who have just bought their first apartment in Brooklyn. Not long after they settle into their home, Sam gets shot and killed by someone trying to steal his wallet. This is really well done, with Sam immediately looking back at his body lying on the floor and realising that he’s dead. As he’s trying to get his head around the whole thing, Les Dennis’s character, the hospital ghost turns up to show him the ropes.
When Sam realises that psychic medium Oda Mae Brown can hear him, he enlists her help to let Molly know that he’s still around. Things take an even darker turn when Sam works out that his murder was masterminded by his friend and colleague, Carl. So, he sets out to make sure that Carl can’t benefit from his death, or hurt Molly.
The Cast of Ghost the Musical (2024-2025)
Ghost the Musical has been adapted by Oscar winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin (book and lyrics) with music by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard and is directed by Bob Tomson with choreography by Alistair David. Design is by Mark Bailey with lighting design by Nick Richings, sound design by Dan Samson and illusions by Richard Pinner. Music Direction is by Jordan Alexander.
- Molly Jenson: Rebekah Lowings
- Sam Wheat: Josh St. Clair
- Oda Mae Brown: Jacqui Dubois
- Carl Bruner: James Mateo-Salt
- Hospital Ghost / Lionel Ferguson: Les Dennis
- Willie Lopez: Jules Brown
- Subway Ghost: Garry Lee
- Clara: Tanisha Butterfield
- Louise: Keiahna Jackson-Jones
- Officer Wallace: Gabrielle Cummins
- Mrs Santiago / Bank Officer: Molly Cleere
- Ensemble / Detective Biederman: Jamie Pritchard
- Ensemble / Orlando: Wade Lewin
- Ensemble / Susan / Ortisha: Olivia-Rose Deer
- Ensemble: Joe Readman
- Swing: Lewis Asquith
What I thought of the show
This is a well thought-out musical take on a classic film. The ensemble numbers are full of energy and for quite a dark story-line, there are even a few laughs along the way. Rebekah Lowings and Josh St. Clair who play Molly and Sam both have amazing voices that suit the big vocal numbers their characters sing. Unfortunately, I couldn’t really take to their characters, particularly Molly’s.
Their solos were songs that were completely new to me and they were all quite lengthy with loud orchestral backing. Whilst I actually loved the orchestra music, the balance between the orchestra and the singers seemed a little off, meaning that it was difficult to make out the words in some of the solos. Without knowing the tune or properly hearing the words, I did lose concentration a bit during those numbers. That said, when Molly and Sam sung Unchained Melody together in the second half, it was incredible.
For me, the characters that really stood out were Jacqui Dubois as Oda Mae Brown, Les Dennis as the Hospital Ghost and Garry Lee as the Subway Ghost. Oda Mae Brown is a hilarious character who really lightens the mood of the whole production. The Hospital Ghost’s solo was upbeat and fun, and the Subway Ghost was such an intense character that I really got drawn into his scenes.
Overall the show is well worth watching, whether you’re a fan of the film or not.
Ghost the Musical (2024-2025) FAQs
26th to 30th November 2024
Tickets are available from the Malvern Theatres website.
I couldn’t see age guidance on the Malvern Theatres website, so I’ve googled it and most people seem to be saying 12+. It’s not as sexual as the film and whilst there are a few jump-scares, it’s not terrifying so I’d definitely take my 12 year old and I’d probably take my 10 year old as well. That said, whilst it’s not inappropriate for them, I’m not sure they’d enjoy it that much as it is very much aimed at adults.
2 hours and 15 minutes (including the interval)
After Malvern, Ghost the Musical moves on to Blackpool Opera House from 3rd to 7th December. For a list of 2025 tour dates, head to the Bill Kenwright Limited productions website.
