Ghost Stories – Sheffield Lyceum

Psychological Horror with a twist!

Tension… Suspense…Atmosphere… Imagination… Unsettling to say the least!

Ghost Stories the theatrical experience has recently been made into a film but still remains something unique in its ‘here and now’ form on the stage. This One Act production was written 15 years ago by Jeremy Dyson (Co-writer of the much acclaimed League of Gentlemen) and Award winning Actor/Director Andy Nyman and has played in eight different far flung countries and now Ghost Stories is once again currently touring the UK. Reviewers of Ghost Stories are asked not to divulge the plot or secrets of the show, and I will certainly adhere to that. Thus, Ghost Stories remains a rare thing; in a world of information technology; a modern experience you have to see ‘spoiler free’.

From entering the theatre, with flickering auditorium lights to an unsettling, ambience setting soundtrack, the atmosphere of the night is set – spooky. The voice over that starts the show, adds to the apprehensive feeling as the audience are told if they leave the theatre during the production they will not be re-admitted. 

The dimly lit set designed by Jon Bausor transforms to tell the three ghost stories we witness and their cleverly crafted and surprisingly thought-provoking conclusion. As it should be, the set is just enough suggestion to leave the audience’s imagination to do the rest. The lighting Designer James Farncombe really ramps up the tension with his clever use of blackout to unsettle even the bravest most laid back audience member. Personally, it scared the living daylights out of me, and I spent much of the production, huddled against my husband with my eyes closed and my hands over my ears! Ok, so yes, I have a very vivid imagination and cannot watch Horror films, but this was live and up close and personal and with the audio speakers in the auditorium right next to me, it didn’t help at all. Nick Mannings Sound Design was a collaborator in the many jump scare moments. Then add, Scott Penrose’s special effects which elevated the experience to another level. You expect it, but the question is when??? Genius creation of suspense.

With direction from Jeremy Dyson, Andy Nyman and Sean Holmes the performers are exceptional in their delivery. From Dan Tetsall as the disintegrating Parapsychologist Professor Goodman who delivers a daring and scathing lecture filled with scepticism on the paranormal that questions the credibility of the perceived. As he presents the three testimonies we are asked to view them with a substantial amount of disbelief. David Cardy as the world weary night watchmen Tony Matthews. Eddie Loodmer-Elliott as Simon Refkind the slightly strange young student and Clive Mantle as the effervescent businessman Mike Priddle. With Lucas Albion and Simon Bass in supporting roles and understudying.  

My husband as a less highly strung individual, absolutely loved the production and cited as one of the best things he has seen in the theatre for a long while. Whilst, I totally appreciate and applaud the educational nature of the Professor’s lecture, the cleverness of the scripting, the thought provoking conclusion and the whole production plus the very effective creation of suspense – it just unsettled me a little too much (sleepless night!)

Not for the faint-hearted but if you are brave enough to go see the Physiological Horror that is Ghost Stories … don’t say I didn’t warn you! It is at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 15^th February.

Reviewer: Tracey Bell

Reviewed: 11th February 2025

North West End UK Rating: