Since its debut in 2010, Ghost Stories has been thrilling audiences worldwide with its unique blend of psychological horror and theatrical illusion. Created by Jeremy Dyson (The League of Gentlemen) and Andy Nyman (co-creator of Derren Brown’s television and stage shows), this terrifying stage experience has been a West End sensation, a global touring hit, and even a feature film adaptation. Now, the production embarks on its first full UK tour, daring audiences up and down the country to brave its chilling tales. With its arrival at The Lowry, audiences had the chance to put their courage to the test—if they dared.
Professor Goodman, a staunch skeptic of the supernatural, dedicates his life to debunking paranormal occurrences. When he investigates three seemingly inexplicable hauntings—recounted by a nervous night-watchman, a jittery teenager, and a businessman on the cusp of fatherhood—his unwavering rationality is put to the ultimate test. As the terrifying testimonies unfold on stage, Goodman’s grip on reality begins to slip, leading to an unsettling conclusion that lingers long after the final blackout. Running at a 90 minutes with no interval, the show maintains relentless tension, offering no respite from its eerie atmosphere and shocking twists.
Jon Bausor’s set design is nothing short of masterful, creating immersive environments that shift seamlessly between scenes. The intricate details—a cluttered security office, a deserted woodland road, a pristine but ominous nursery—add an unsettling realism to the ghostly encounters. The lighting (James Farncombe) and sound design (Nick Manning) work in perfect harmony to build tension; sudden flashes, eerie silhouettes, and well-placed darkness are coupled with chilling sound effects that infiltrate the theatre. Costumes are naturalistic, grounding the characters in reality and making their descent into terror all the more believable. The production’s use of practical effects and illusions (Scott Penrose) is ingenious, leaving audiences questioning what they have seen and heard.
The small but immensely talented cast delivers an exceptional performance. Dan Tetsell is compelling as Professor Goodman, guiding the audience with a mix of charisma and creeping unease. David Cardy, Eddie Loodmer-Elliott and Clive Mantle each bring distinctive energy to their roles as the three haunted individuals—Cardy’s night-watchman is gruff but rattled, Loodmer-Elliott’s teenager is jittery and frantic, and Mantle’s businessman exudes arrogance that soon crumbles into terror. Their performances are expertly crafted to draw the audience in before delivering their spine-chilling revelations.
Few theatrical experiences can claim to elicit genuine fear, but Ghost Stories achieves just that. This is not just a play; it’s a nerve-shredding, full-body experience that grips you from the moment you take your seat. The tension builds masterfully, with perfectly timed frights and a creeping sense of dread that culminates in a truly shocking finale. It’s a production that proves horror can be just as effective on stage as it is on screen—if not more so. Not for the faint-hearted, Ghost Stories is an unmissable theatrical thrill ride that will have you jumping at shadows and questioning what lurks in the darkness.
Ghost Stories is at The Lowry until Saturday 1st March 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.
Photo Credit - Hugo Glendinning
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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