AMATEUR THEATRE REVIEW: Ghost: The Musical (School Edition) - The Grange Theatre, Hartford. Northwich.

Those of a certain age (and I include myself here) will remember getting all hot under the collar at watching a certain Patrick Swayze romance Demi Moore during a rather steamy and messy potters' wheel scene during this 1990 film of the same name. This however was the School Edition of the show, and thankfully keeps the smooch to an absolute minimum. The plot though, in all other respects, is identical.

This is a hugely ambitious show for anyone to mount, and the performers here are all students at The Grange School itself, making it even more remarkable, whilst the technical wizardry (as indeed wizardry it was) was all down to the expertise of staff members. 

The story revolves around a young couple, Molly (a ceramic artist), and her boyfriend Sam (a wheeler and dealer in city finance), who, moments after they declare their desire to get married is cruelly knifed to death on the street by a wallet-snatcher. The rest of the story then shows Sam "in limbo" as he learns why he was killed and realises that his love Molly is in danger herself. As luck would have it, he is able to recruit the help of a con-artist psychic, who just happens to actually be a real psychic, Oda Mae Brown, and of course bring about the downfall of the criminals before he is called up to heaven.

It's a real two-handkerchief film, and this interpretation of the show was no less so. I found myself welling up on several occasions with a lump in my throat. This production was very truthfully and plaintively told, allowing the audience to emote so freely. This, in performers so young, is quite a feat.

Max Hildred handled the role of Sam with an understanding beyond his years, easy to watch and completely believable. Oscar Joliffe was no less so as his best friend and work colleague Carl. Troy Turpin really made the role of the subway ghost his own, relishing being both dead and malevolent, with a great stage presence. Oda Mae, (the role played by Whoopi Goldberg in the film - and therefore quite an iconic and affectionately remembered one) was portrayed here by a very talented Gabi Exon-Trickett. Completely casting aside any thought of reinterpreting Goldberg, she created her own character entirely, and simply owned the stage on her every entrance. A very strong and confident actress.

The central role of Molly was given to Lux Tilston. Once again, her understanding and interpretation of this role was way beyond her tender years. Simplistic, genuine, understated acting made her portrayal all the more real and visceral, with a lovely clear and sonorous singing voice to boot. Tilston's solo on the auditorium steps had me crying! 

The principals were supported by a talented and eager bunch of cameo roles and chorus, all adding to the show, not detracting. 

Musically the show sounded solid and secure from a band made up from both students and tutors. I have the feeling that there were a couple of places this evening when the lighting didn't quite do what it was supposed to, but the LX design was creative and of a high standard. Screens with computer graphics were used throughout to great effect. Sound levels were good throughout. However, those responsible for the set, illusions, magic, etc that are so intrinsic to this show, deserve perhaps the biggest applause. I can honestly say that having seen the most recent professional UK tour of this show, then budget for budget, company for company, this production wins hands down in this regard. 

I loved this show. And my companion's reaction... ditto.

Reviewer - Mathew Dougall
on - 26.1.23