Review: Ghost Stories At The Duke of York’s Theatre
Published on Friday 9th July, 8.32am, Written by Jonathan Dudley
The West End has been in need of some new spooky material for quite some time. Now, at long last, The Woman in Black has some company in the form of Ghost Stories, the spine-tingling triumph from Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman.
Ghost Stories: Spooky, but you'll not need counselling afterwards.
From the moment you enter the the Duke of York’s Theatre, the tone of the evening is well and truly set. Hazard tape and grubby plastic cover the walls and floor; flickering lights dripping with cobwebs hang limply from the ceiling, and a series of seemingly random numbers are scrawled onto the auditorium walls.
A subtly unsettling ghost train soundtrack haunts you as you take your seat, and the nervous giggling and shuffling from fellow audience members only serves to heighten the anticipation and make you wonder if you should have gone to the toilet before you sat down.
Which leads neatly to the one and only negative point, the toilet situation.
Before the show begins you’re warned that anyone who leaves the auditorium won’t be readmitted. This is totally reasonable. It’s an 80 minute show with no interval which relies heavily on built-up tension. That tension is hard to maintain if someone with a peanut-bladder has to shuffle past you, creaking and apologising as they go. Sadly this happened several times and the toilet-trippers were readily readmitted. However, that’s only a minor gripe.
Just like The Mousetrap, the audience are implored not to reveal the secrets of Ghost Stories, so apologies for being a little light on the details but should you go and see it, you’ll be grateful for the lack of spoilers.
The show begins with Professor Goodman (Andy Nyman) giving a university-style lecture on the paranormal, punctuated with photographs, stories, and the testimonies of three ‘percipients’ as the Professor calls them. We’re told that the three testimonies represent the only three cases that the professor, a passionate if hopeful skeptic, has ever considered to be truly unusual.
The lecture provides a superb frame for the testimonies. Each one is presented as a vignette, with the professor occasionally interrupting with a question or to scold the percipient for straying off topic. This clever little device ensures that the audience never forget that what they are seeing is a visual representation of a dictaphone recording. This not only links the stories together wonderfully neatly, but also serves as an anchor to the real world. It’s the theatrical equivalent of stamping “based on real-life events” on horror movie trailers.
The testimonies involve a nightwatchmen, a young man stuck in a broken-down car in the middle of nowhere, and a haunted nursery. Just like The Mousetrap, the audience are implored not to reveal the secrets of Ghost Stories, so apologies for being a little light on the details but should you go and see it, you’ll be grateful for the lack of spoilers.
The sets were simple but exceptionally spooky. However, the real triumph was the cheekily atmospheric lighting. There are moments when the only light on stage is a torch; the blinding beam regularly shone into the audience. At first this was deeply annoying, then the realisation came that having to squint at indistinct shapes through sun-spotted eyes only added to the rapidly ratcheting tension.
The sensory assault continued with a distinctly cold chill regularly rippling through the audience, although it’s open to debate whether that’s a deliberate part of the show’s relentless pursuit of ever-increasing tension or if the Duke of York’s just has really good air-con. Either way, big thumbs up.
There’s not much else that can be said about Ghost Stories without giving too much away, but it’s safe to say this: Ghost Stories is a tense, well-written and beautifully staged thriller with dark comedic elements which may not be as pant-soilingly disturbing as the marketing department would have you believe, but it’s still worth a visit.
Show and Stay Ghost Stories theatre breaks are available from £65pp including top quality seats and an overnight stay in a London hotel.
Sorry to put a spanner in the works, but this show is a TOTAL waste of time and (my) VERY hard earned spondoolicks! It’s a case of ‘don’t believe the hype’. Terrifying – it is NOT – I truly expected a lot more from
these talented guys, but I was extremely disappointed :-(( So, if in doubt, son’t bother!!
Have to agree with most of the comments above, Ghost Stories was very very dull.
My wife and I both contemplated leaving halfway through and going for a drink, the only reason we didn’t was because we were trapped right in the middle.
It seemed to be aimed at easily spooked people who have never seen, heard or read a ghost story. Truly amateur.
Unless you are incredibly easily spooked stay well away and don’t believe the hype, complete trash.
Dont worry about putting a spanner in the works form the last review. This has got to be the biggest hype of 2010. I dont know what planet the critics think they are on but I would havebeen more frightened by a spider. This was boring, mundane and the only reason it was edge of seat was I couldnt wait to get off it and out of the theatre. The writer liked the sound ofhis own voice and I was contunally waiting for anyhting to keep me from falling asleep let alone frighten me. Total wast of £35.00 tickets and was considering asking for a refund. My meal beforehand was more frightening!!!!!!
the comment above it so true, i was awaiting to see this show with abated breath, but it was a total let down, don’t waste you case on this, go and see something else.
I even paid a bloody fortune on a hotel as well, may demand my money back under the trades description act.
I don’t agree with either of the comment above. This is one of the scariest things I have ever seen, and my mate had to leave halfway through!
Uttter tosh and very disappointing. The only members of the audience who appeared to be enjoying it were the pre-pubsecent rent-a- crowd in the stalls, who squealed and shrieked every time the lights flickered.
For the most part the show’s ‘shock’ moments are well telegraphed and are no great surprise. Curiously though, many fail to materialise (no pun intended). Which would be great were they to be supplanted by something really surprising and shocking – but they aren’t. The end in particular was very lame.
And the special effects creator should not give up the day job. Pathetic.
Verdict: Don’t bother.
i dont agree with the comments about it being rubbish and a waste of time. I had a totally brilliant time, i enjoyed every minute. even before it started the tension was built up by the music they played. the theatre was comfortable and the staff were really nice. i WOULD and HAVE recommended Ghost Stories to every one.
Total rubbish, not scary, not intresting. Verry boring, please save your money guys, i cant recommened anything else but definatley give this one a miss
This is ENTERTAINMENT! It was BRILLIANT! We enjoyed it SOOO much! Everyone knows there are no such thing as Ghosts – this is a great use of theatrical lighting etc to create a scary atmosphere. Fun, shocking and an adrenaline boost. Well done, guys. We want to be scared and this production hit the spot. Wish I lived close enought to go and see iot again1
I have never been so scared in my life. Just got back in from seeing it tonight and I dare not shut my eyes to try and sleep. A BRILLIANT night out. Would recommend to everyone.
There seems to be a conspiracy to hype this show as I cannot believe that the critics truly believe that this show has any merit. If it was possible to report a production to trading standards for misrepresentation then this would be an open and shut case!
Poorly written, poorly staged, poorly performed – don’t waste your money. I truly feel ripped off.
I think the review is about right, on balance. The show is entertaining but it certainly isn’t the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced. I have to disagree with comments like poorly written, poorly staged and poorly performed. It is none of these but is a pretty expensive evening for an 80 minute show.
Having said that, I’m glad I went and I enjoyed the evening.
hi there i just wanted to ask if you could put the ghost stories to a horror film what one would it be im thinking of going i love horror but id like to no really if it is worth it many thanks maria
It’s probably more akin to something like Tales From The Crypt or The Outer Limits; three scary short stories told by an equally creepy narrator/host. The show has been somewhat hyped-up, it’s spooky but it won’t be the scariest thing that you’ve ever seen.
well i must have been watching a different show as i thought it was electric !!! the first story was certainly the best in the trilogy but i liked the special effects in the second and third, little tip – sit on the front row if you can bear the smell and eye smarting of the effects as you really do get the full whammy.
I cannot believe the amount of negativity towards this show!!
This is the best piece of theatre I have ever seen, I was scared out of my mind! The sound effects, the smells, the cold chills rippling through the audience all added to the tension and the stories were excellent,
I honestly want to go and see it again, please don’t believe the negative reviews here.
We were sat about halfway back in the stalls and the view was great, there were several moments where i couldn’t watch, and I wish I had! Even so, I didn’t sleep well last night, Ghost Stories has worked it’s way into my mind, particularly the last scene…….
GO AND SEE THIS SHOW!!!!!
Went to see this last night with my wife and I have to agree with the majority – what a load of hyped up rubbish! The only people who will be scared by anything in this are those who don’t often watch horror films, read ghost stories or watch paranormal documentaries – all of which are MUCH BETTER made than this waste of time and money. We went to see this ‘truly terrifying’ experience and for the most part were kept waiting for something to happen. It is often said that less is more, but unfortunately when you are talking about horror, you need to pile on the scares and tension – relentlessly. Some of the scares in this are so lame that you wonder what the writers were thinking. I would not recommend this to ANYONE – please don’t believe the hype, as that is precisely what it is. Just rent a horror DVD instead – you will be glad you saved your money.
Absolute rubbish. Its all hype and nothing else. Very clever marketing and PR to draw in the punters – they get lucky we are left with a poor story line, amateur sets and performances and very little in jumps and thrills. The worst part was having to listen to Andy Nyman’s lecture – I felt about 12 years old! It goes on, and on, and on! We went to the 9pm show so that we would be suitably scared, but found ourselves falling asleep in boredom! Believe me when I say this is all hype. I wished I had taken note of reviewers who had said the same. I could have saved over £100 on the 3 tickets I bought.
I wasn’t expecting to be scared but I was expecting to be entertained! Dull, amateurish and a waste of time and money. Missing a good storyline.
Just a reminder to the nay-sayers – “Ghost Stories is a tense, well-written and beautifully staged thriller with dark comedic elements which may not be as pant-soilingly disturbing as the marketing department would have you believe, but it’s still worth a visit. “
WELL HAE TO SAY AFTE READING ALL THESE COMMENTS I THINK ILL SAVE MY MONEY AN NOT GO
Dear Sirs
I don;t know what your critic was seeing but Ghost Stories was the biggest waste of space ever. I’m not surprised they don’t want anyone to tel teh story line because there wasn’t one. It was n;t scarry at all and the audience were laughing becauae it was so bad.
Save your money and look elsewhere if you want an evenings entertainment, Ghost Stories is total drivel and would make a tenth rate amateur night in a pub look sparkling by comparison!!
About as scary as a balloon on a stick. References to children dying and deformed baby are in rather bad taste. You are allowed to take your drinks in with you, which is a silly idea because you aren’t allowed out to go to the toilet. The whole thing is only 80 mins long, which is poor value for money. I wouldn’t have begrudged what I paid had the show lived up to the hype. Arguably quite clever with some subtle references to Hitchcock apparently, but I didn’t go there to feel intellectual, I went there to feel scared and entertained.
I cannot express just how disappointing this show was. At no point was I or any of my party even the tiniest bit scared. We had been really looking forward to this. What a waste of time and money. To create any kind of fear, the writers need to feed the audiences imagination – this was told in a very boring university lecturer style. I have seen many shows and this is the very first I have felt let down by. No-one around us was scared either. I would have walked out in disgust but I just kept thinking that surely it must pick up soon. It didn’t.
Saw this say 12th feb 2011, was utterly disappointed, the hype for this was far too much, the show was in no means scary. Pure amature acting with a grand total of 5/actors!
Do not waste your money or time seeing this all round rubbish show.
the woman in front of us fell asleep and snored out load that was the scariest part of the show.
What a disappointment.Just before the start and the sound system stated if you leave the auditorium you wont be let back in I did not think he meant out of boredom not terror.I have seen scarier episodes of scooby doo.If anyone found this frightening you should get out more.This is the only show I have been to see in the west end and did not clap at the end.
I am sorry but if anyone books this at £50 a seat you will feel ripped off.I cannot say anything positive.As for keeping the secret that is the scariest part of it all what secret how utterley boring it is !!!!
i would hate to be you has i am even scared to
sleep last night as i told my mum and the rest of
my family and i relly was scared to evan sleep
what can i say..LOL..pathetic.
you sir, are condecending
All kindsa hype for this show but it SUCKED!!!! Don’t waste your money…..it wasn’t even close to being scarey……
My friends and I were ready to leave not even halfway through the performance but we didn’t want to disturb the audience……There was absolutely nothing scarey about it…..all you see on the webpage is the audience covering their eyes and screaming…..I am sure those are very well paid people……No wonder you can’t find out what the performance is actually about because I am sure there would be no one that would go…….Even at the end of the performance it was announced to not let the secret story out……That’s because they won’t be able to rip anymore people off……We were very disappointed…….I have never wasted money before like I did last night on this show!!!
Watched this with an american broadway critic and he was shocked this was anywhere near the West End. Damaging to British theatre’s reputation, a triumph of agressive marketing and a total STINKER
I wished i read some of the reviews on here before i paid my good money for Ghost stories. I got suckered into the hype and raving reviews.
This show is:
- Over hyped and over rated
- Bored in most parts of the show
- not scary (maybe if i was 12 years old then it would have been more fun). If your one o the people that gets scared really easy then this maybe for you.
- waste of money
Your better off booking yourself some tickets for ” women in black” (much better production and creepier).
GARBAGE, pure GARBAGE. At least I got the tickets for free. I feel bad for anyone who was duped into actually spending MONEY on this crap. DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY> The whole promo campaign is pure rubbish and VERY untrue. I’ve seen scarier cartoons and better made high school plays!
I thought it was well written,well performed and a good evening out. I think a lot of the unhappy reviewers were maybe expecting a more psychological scare which to be fair it was not so much. In part thats probably due to the fact the story does not lead that way. Worth bearing in mind that people are more likely to leave a review if they are unhappy. Everyone at the show i was at seemed happy.
I thought it was OK as a piece of theatre, but not scary at all.
But I don’t understand the ending; why feed cat food to a baby? Why did the night watchman become a hospital porter? Why did the businessman become a doctor? Did the baby die? Why did all 3 events occur @ 3:45? What was the link between all 3?
Yep, I’m confused; can anyone explain please?
Yes I have the same question, what was it with the cat food etc..
It was not remotley scary, but I will keep the secret. Because I haven’t the foggiest clue what the secret is.
What a waste of hard earned cash.
Has anyone pregnant been to see this?
I’m 8 months and have a ticket booked for next week. Wasn’t sure what the show was when we booked.
I’m intrigued but not sure whether I should go or not, firstly because of the fear factor and secondly because of not being able to use the loo during the show!
They’re pretty lenient about the toilet issue, and I doubt even the most hardened usher would deny a pregnant lady the right to visit the toilet.
As for the scares, there are a few big jump moments. Might be worth calling the box office and having a chat with the staff on 020 7907 7071 to see what they advise.
question; I will be up that neck of the woods tonight, if I go to the box office 10 mins before, roughly does any one know how much the average tickets will be? and will there be a big discount?
Probably another one for the box office, we don’t deal in last minute tickets. Give 020 7907 7071 a call and see what they say.
I have just got back from seeing the show and I was completely entertained and creeped out. I thought the actors were great and the fact that the theatre was quite small worked well as u was up close and personal!
I’m surprised by so many comments of people saying it was boring and not scary because everyone in the audience tonight were jumping out of there skin, and judging by the huge cheer at the end they all seemed to have been entertained!
Don’t be put off by bad comments…watch it and decide for yourself! I had a great night! Just hope I don’t have nightmares!! :-)
I totally agree, I really enjoyed the show. Great mixture of good writing and eerie atmosphere. I can’t understand the negative comments, the only explanation is that these people expected film type sfx and are not used to the theatre where some imagination is required. It is a little short and an intermission would be welcome but don’t let that put you off. Best night we have had in a theatre for ages. Go and see it!
I am in total mourning now Ghost Stories has finished. An Amazing piece of thetre – I just do not understand the negative comments. After working in the media department of a school for 12 years, studying horror movies and making horror trailers and sequences with the pupils I thought I had been hardened to everything but Ghost Stories truly freaked me out. I have a renewed appreciation of horror and scary stories. The staging and effects were awesom – So much so I have seen it 3 times. 1st time couldn’t switch hall light off without turning bedroom light on! Scared to pick daughter up from wooded lane. 2nd time – knew what was coming and was even more scared. 3rd time – great seat in stalls, noticed all effects, some I had missed previously but I was cured!!! Not too scared to turn light off now.
Fantastic show – hope it tours and I will go yet again