REVIEW
✭✭✭✭☆ 4/5
Ghost Stories
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
Tue 13 – Sat 17 May 8pm
Fri 6pm & 9pm
Sat Mat 2.30pm
✭✭✭✭☆ 4/5
Ghost Stories
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
Tue 13 – Sat 17 May 8pm
Fri 6pm & 9pm
Sat Mat 2.30pm
With all the warnings, before you even buy a ticket, about those of a nervous disposition needing to think twice about seeing this play, and with an age restriction of 15 plus, I’ll confess that my nerves almost got the better of me and I was all lined up to send someone else to review Ghost Stories on its first night in Southend.
Ghost Stories has actually been around for 15 years now, conceived and written by The League of Gentlemen’s Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman,
co-creator of Derren Brown’s television and stage shows. They are the perfect pairing for a play that brings theatrical storytelling and illusion to the stage and has had audiences screaming in the West End and across the globe. Ghost Stories is now on a UK tour and will be at Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion all this week - if you are brave enough to book, of course!
The producers have asked us not to reveal too much about the play so as not to spoil it for new audiences so I have to be careful not to give too much away. However, this is a fabulously produced and written masterclass in psychological tension from writers who understand not just the structure of a good scare, but just how the human mind works when it comes to building up that tension, allowing the audience’s minds and imaginations to work overtime.
Even before you enter the auditorium there are loud rumbling noises that can be heard in the foyer and you can sense that everyone taking their seat has a slight sense of trepidation. What on earth are we letting ourselves in for here?
The show begins with a volly of booms and hysterically loud noise as we are introduced to Professor Goodman, played by Dan Tetsell, an arch-sceptic out to debunk the paranormal. With some initial audience involvement we are asked to put our hands up if we believe in ghosts, or if we’ve ever witnessed any paranormal activity - there’s a fair few hands going up. The evening will entail the Professor attempting to prove that the three separate hauntings he is investigating are indeed perfectly rational. We are then sequentially introduced to night-watchman, Tony, (David Cardy), a teenage boy Simon (Eddie Loodmer-Elliot) and a business man awaiting the birth of his first child, Mike, (Clive Mantle) to revisit each of their terrifying experiences.
Ghost Stories is certainly a fantastically produced and cleverly brought together show, where building up the tension is vital and it certainly has the power to draw you in to the action. I say action, but for the most part each scenario has a sense of normality about it which is completely relatable yet subsequently lures you into a false sense of security. However, you are constantly aware that something isn’t quite right. No spoilers but, you will feel the tension, you will jump with fright and there is a very strong possibility that you will scream….and then laugh…because, let’s face it, why else would we do this to ourselves? I do feel, though, that this play would benefit more if it were performed at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff, where the atmosphere in that auditorium is definitely more conducive to a scary tale and the audience are more contained.
Up until seeing Ghost Stories, the most frightening plays I’ve seen as a self confessed ‘scaredy cat’ are The Woman in Black and The Exorcist, (when it had its brief run in the West End a few years back). There’s not a lot of competition in this genre and Ghost Stories seems to have nailed it. The cast are all fabulous but the true talent here are the backstage team with all of their technical wizardry skills creating the crucial tension and ambiance needed for a show like this. Kudos to the production team, Claire Roberts, Amy Clarke, Tom Lewer, Kate Buxton, Joseph Brown, Abbi Clarke, Simon McCorry, Caz Offord and Steph Weaver for the challenge of taking this to a different theatre every week on tour.
This is a show that will satisfy those theatre goers who appreciate a well written and worked story, yet will also have those thrill-seeking punters on the edge of their seats.
So for someone who’s very easily terrified - the last scary film I watched was Sixth Sense - I’m glad I braved up for this one. For those of you who may be faint hearted, the theatrical wizardry of this show is definitely worth the skipped heart beats.
Review: Kim Tobin
Ghost Stories has actually been around for 15 years now, conceived and written by The League of Gentlemen’s Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman,
co-creator of Derren Brown’s television and stage shows. They are the perfect pairing for a play that brings theatrical storytelling and illusion to the stage and has had audiences screaming in the West End and across the globe. Ghost Stories is now on a UK tour and will be at Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion all this week - if you are brave enough to book, of course!
The producers have asked us not to reveal too much about the play so as not to spoil it for new audiences so I have to be careful not to give too much away. However, this is a fabulously produced and written masterclass in psychological tension from writers who understand not just the structure of a good scare, but just how the human mind works when it comes to building up that tension, allowing the audience’s minds and imaginations to work overtime.
Even before you enter the auditorium there are loud rumbling noises that can be heard in the foyer and you can sense that everyone taking their seat has a slight sense of trepidation. What on earth are we letting ourselves in for here?
The show begins with a volly of booms and hysterically loud noise as we are introduced to Professor Goodman, played by Dan Tetsell, an arch-sceptic out to debunk the paranormal. With some initial audience involvement we are asked to put our hands up if we believe in ghosts, or if we’ve ever witnessed any paranormal activity - there’s a fair few hands going up. The evening will entail the Professor attempting to prove that the three separate hauntings he is investigating are indeed perfectly rational. We are then sequentially introduced to night-watchman, Tony, (David Cardy), a teenage boy Simon (Eddie Loodmer-Elliot) and a business man awaiting the birth of his first child, Mike, (Clive Mantle) to revisit each of their terrifying experiences.
Ghost Stories is certainly a fantastically produced and cleverly brought together show, where building up the tension is vital and it certainly has the power to draw you in to the action. I say action, but for the most part each scenario has a sense of normality about it which is completely relatable yet subsequently lures you into a false sense of security. However, you are constantly aware that something isn’t quite right. No spoilers but, you will feel the tension, you will jump with fright and there is a very strong possibility that you will scream….and then laugh…because, let’s face it, why else would we do this to ourselves? I do feel, though, that this play would benefit more if it were performed at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff, where the atmosphere in that auditorium is definitely more conducive to a scary tale and the audience are more contained.
Up until seeing Ghost Stories, the most frightening plays I’ve seen as a self confessed ‘scaredy cat’ are The Woman in Black and The Exorcist, (when it had its brief run in the West End a few years back). There’s not a lot of competition in this genre and Ghost Stories seems to have nailed it. The cast are all fabulous but the true talent here are the backstage team with all of their technical wizardry skills creating the crucial tension and ambiance needed for a show like this. Kudos to the production team, Claire Roberts, Amy Clarke, Tom Lewer, Kate Buxton, Joseph Brown, Abbi Clarke, Simon McCorry, Caz Offord and Steph Weaver for the challenge of taking this to a different theatre every week on tour.
This is a show that will satisfy those theatre goers who appreciate a well written and worked story, yet will also have those thrill-seeking punters on the edge of their seats.
So for someone who’s very easily terrified - the last scary film I watched was Sixth Sense - I’m glad I braved up for this one. For those of you who may be faint hearted, the theatrical wizardry of this show is definitely worth the skipped heart beats.
Review: Kim Tobin
GHOST STORIES at the Cliffs Pavilion – Are you brave enough to book?
Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s long-running West End hit set to terrify Southend this week!
Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s worldwide cult phenomenon Ghost Stories, comes to the Cliffs Pavilion this week and it’s going to be terrifying! With a brilliant cast and a fantastic writing team, Ghost Stories in a must see for anyone who likes it scary!
WARNING
Please be advised that Ghost Stories contains moments of extreme shock and tension.
The show is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15. We strongly advise those of a nervous disposition to think very seriously before attending.
When Professor Goodman, arch-sceptic out to debunk the paranormal, embarks on an investigation of three apparent hauntings – as recounted by a night-watchman, a teenage boy, and a businessman awaiting his first child – Goodman finds himself at the outer limits of rationality, and fast running out of explanations.
After exhilarating audiences for two years in the West End and across the world with record breaking, sell-out productions and a smash hit film, Ghost Stories is "Genuine scary fun” (Sunday Times), a worldwide phenomenon more spine-tingling and fantastically terrifying than ever.
"I had to sleep with the lights on" (Metro).
Dan Tetsell (Rivals, Disney+) will play Professor Goodman, David Cardy (Birds of a Feather) plays Tony Matthews and Clive Mantle (Casualty, BBC) takes the role of Mike Priddle.
Ghost Stories is written and directed by The League of Gentlemen’s Jeremy Dyson, and Andy Nyman, co-creator of Derren Brown’s television and stage shows. Together they have created a truly terrifying theatrical experience. Dare you book?
Ghost Stories
Tue 13 – Sat 17 May 8pm
Fri 6pm & 9pm
Sat Mat 2.30pm
Thecliffspavilion.co.uk
For more information visit: ghoststoriesplay.com
Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s long-running West End hit set to terrify Southend this week!
Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s worldwide cult phenomenon Ghost Stories, comes to the Cliffs Pavilion this week and it’s going to be terrifying! With a brilliant cast and a fantastic writing team, Ghost Stories in a must see for anyone who likes it scary!
WARNING
Please be advised that Ghost Stories contains moments of extreme shock and tension.
The show is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15. We strongly advise those of a nervous disposition to think very seriously before attending.
When Professor Goodman, arch-sceptic out to debunk the paranormal, embarks on an investigation of three apparent hauntings – as recounted by a night-watchman, a teenage boy, and a businessman awaiting his first child – Goodman finds himself at the outer limits of rationality, and fast running out of explanations.
After exhilarating audiences for two years in the West End and across the world with record breaking, sell-out productions and a smash hit film, Ghost Stories is "Genuine scary fun” (Sunday Times), a worldwide phenomenon more spine-tingling and fantastically terrifying than ever.
"I had to sleep with the lights on" (Metro).
Dan Tetsell (Rivals, Disney+) will play Professor Goodman, David Cardy (Birds of a Feather) plays Tony Matthews and Clive Mantle (Casualty, BBC) takes the role of Mike Priddle.
Ghost Stories is written and directed by The League of Gentlemen’s Jeremy Dyson, and Andy Nyman, co-creator of Derren Brown’s television and stage shows. Together they have created a truly terrifying theatrical experience. Dare you book?
Ghost Stories
Tue 13 – Sat 17 May 8pm
Fri 6pm & 9pm
Sat Mat 2.30pm
Thecliffspavilion.co.uk
For more information visit: ghoststoriesplay.com
Southend Theatres Ghosts - by the people who work there!
Sally – Front Of House
Working at the Palace Theatre around 25-30 years ago or so , I was FOH and I went up to the gallery to remove the chains. I unlocked the padlock and started to walk across to the other door and there was a figure sitting in the middle of the back row - I have no idea if it was male or female, but it was dressed in black and smelt of tobacco.
I said ‘I’m sorry but we’re not open yet’ and with that there was nobody there… Yes it freaked me out! I’ve never forgotten it.
Many times, I have smelt tobacco too… when no one was smoking.
Creepy but true!
Simon – maintenance technician
Having worked in both theatres for nearly 30 years, I have spent many nights at both venues sometimes overnight and sometimes alone, and I've never seen anything until early 2024 when I was at the Palace Theatre in the daytime.
I came from Door 2 of the auditorium, walked along the corridor between the gents and ladies toilets to go into the foyer, but as I rounded the corner I saw a figure who I thought was the front of house manager so I start talking to him but got no reply and due to the pillars of the building I only got glimpses of him. When I came into the main foyer, there was no one there. Convinced I’d seen someone I thought he must have gone into the bar cellar, so I went to check, but again there was no one there .
I'm not the sort of person to jump straight to 'I saw a ghost!' but I have no explanation for what I saw.
Christine – Stage Door
I’ve experienced two spooky happenings in my time at the Cliffs and the Palace! First time...on the top floor putting chains on the exit door at end of show, walking back to return downstairs, someone (or something!), blew smoke into my face!
And no, I had not been drinking!
Second time...in the lower corridor, at the end of the show, going to open the doors, there was a very strong aroma of flowers; lilacs and roses.
My friend advised me to say ‘hello’ to the lady as she was with us in that corridor. She has also experienced taps on her shoulder whilst standing at Door 2 taking tickets.
Also at the Palace there is a strange 'force' on the stairs to Boxes B and D and I’m not the only one to have said this! And in the front row on the left hand side, the second seat in is always down when you know you've put the seat up!
Mandi – Technician
I haven't felt or smelt him for a while but pre-covid when I worked at the Palace, at times you would smell cigar or pipe smoke (definitely not cigarette smoke or vapes) around prompt corner, on the stairs going under the stage and at times, under the stage. Those areas also felt a little cooler than the rest of the theatre. And in these areas, it felt as if someone was with you. Others have sensed him. Rumour has it, he was an old flyman called George.
Maybe when the venue closed during Covid, he was lonely and left.
When I worked at the Cliffs back in the 90's, locking up at night after a show, the top corridor always felt like someone was watching you, as did the fire escape stairs from the balcony.
Lesley
Hospitality Ops
Sometimes around the Cliffs there is the scent of lavender. It’s a perfume and when you smell it, the Lavender Lady is nearby. This little lady is a regular ghostly customer at the Cliffs.
Sally – Front Of House
Working at the Palace Theatre around 25-30 years ago or so , I was FOH and I went up to the gallery to remove the chains. I unlocked the padlock and started to walk across to the other door and there was a figure sitting in the middle of the back row - I have no idea if it was male or female, but it was dressed in black and smelt of tobacco.
I said ‘I’m sorry but we’re not open yet’ and with that there was nobody there… Yes it freaked me out! I’ve never forgotten it.
Many times, I have smelt tobacco too… when no one was smoking.
Creepy but true!
Simon – maintenance technician
Having worked in both theatres for nearly 30 years, I have spent many nights at both venues sometimes overnight and sometimes alone, and I've never seen anything until early 2024 when I was at the Palace Theatre in the daytime.
I came from Door 2 of the auditorium, walked along the corridor between the gents and ladies toilets to go into the foyer, but as I rounded the corner I saw a figure who I thought was the front of house manager so I start talking to him but got no reply and due to the pillars of the building I only got glimpses of him. When I came into the main foyer, there was no one there. Convinced I’d seen someone I thought he must have gone into the bar cellar, so I went to check, but again there was no one there .
I'm not the sort of person to jump straight to 'I saw a ghost!' but I have no explanation for what I saw.
Christine – Stage Door
I’ve experienced two spooky happenings in my time at the Cliffs and the Palace! First time...on the top floor putting chains on the exit door at end of show, walking back to return downstairs, someone (or something!), blew smoke into my face!
And no, I had not been drinking!
Second time...in the lower corridor, at the end of the show, going to open the doors, there was a very strong aroma of flowers; lilacs and roses.
My friend advised me to say ‘hello’ to the lady as she was with us in that corridor. She has also experienced taps on her shoulder whilst standing at Door 2 taking tickets.
Also at the Palace there is a strange 'force' on the stairs to Boxes B and D and I’m not the only one to have said this! And in the front row on the left hand side, the second seat in is always down when you know you've put the seat up!
Mandi – Technician
I haven't felt or smelt him for a while but pre-covid when I worked at the Palace, at times you would smell cigar or pipe smoke (definitely not cigarette smoke or vapes) around prompt corner, on the stairs going under the stage and at times, under the stage. Those areas also felt a little cooler than the rest of the theatre. And in these areas, it felt as if someone was with you. Others have sensed him. Rumour has it, he was an old flyman called George.
Maybe when the venue closed during Covid, he was lonely and left.
When I worked at the Cliffs back in the 90's, locking up at night after a show, the top corridor always felt like someone was watching you, as did the fire escape stairs from the balcony.
Lesley
Hospitality Ops
Sometimes around the Cliffs there is the scent of lavender. It’s a perfume and when you smell it, the Lavender Lady is nearby. This little lady is a regular ghostly customer at the Cliffs.