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Retains a traditional style at its core, but with an enjoyable dark edge. One to enjoy even for those who protest that they don’t like musicals. Summary
Rating
Excellent
“I don’t like musicals” is quite possibly the most overused phrase when discussing theatre. I’m as guilty as many, as much as I keep reminding myself it’s really not fair to put them all under one umbrella. As Ghost Light demonstrates perfectly, there are musicals for every taste.
Kat and Charlie (Shannon Davidson and Annie Thorpe) were childhood stars, but whilst younger sibling Kat, now the grand old age of 22, is still trying to revive glory days, Charlie has left it all behind and works as a GP surgery receptionist. But tonight, she’s back to see her sister perform for the first time since she left, and it doesn’t take long for the lure of the bright lights to draw her back in and risk destroying the happy life she has since created.
It’s a perfect set-up for a musical, but what makes Ghost Light more appealing is writer Molly O’Gorman’s understanding that they can have a darkness. She brings in some interesting themes, primarily the sexualisation of child stars in the media and the damage this can cause to young minds; Kat is made to look like a child in her cute outfit, complete with bows and little ankle socks, whilst Charlie talks of the media’s countdown to her 18th when “everything is legal”.
Addiction is the other big topic placed centre stage; both literally, in the pills that Kat devours, and more metaphorically, in the desperate need for fame. As Charlie is drawn back into the limelight the temptations return, encouraged by their manager, David (Simon Mulligan), who is also now Kat’s husband.
There are plotting issues that need addressing, the worse of which is the mixed messaging around David; he is painted as having groomed Kat, having been her manager throughout childhood and then marrying her at 18, yet at other times he talks of bankrolling the show just for Kat’s happiness. That aspect of the story should be made clearer, and we need better direction as to whether we should like or loathe David.
Also questionable is the choice of venue. The Hope Theatre is lovely, but maybe not ideal for a full-on blast of singing and screaming. Fringe theatres are wonderful for placing the audience within touching distance of the performers, but here it’s just a little too close when the volume increases! That said, it is worth being right up close to appreciate Mulligan’s tap routine that opens the second half.
There are ample more reasons to love this new musical. Whilst I don’t leave humming any of the tunes the music, performed live by O’Gorman, is more than enjoyable. Songs help drive the narrative, expressing the sisters’ feelings in a way that perhaps only musicals allow. And where else will you hear a song about the importance of plumbers!
Thorpe’s performance as Charlie is also worth the admission price alone. Her portrayal as someone who walked away from the bright lights only to be drawn back for a second time is stellar, and she really has a beautiful voice. There is genuine sisterly chemistry between her and Davidson, who delivers some powerful emotion as well. It cannot be easy to repeat a routine a dance for a second time, but with the need to make it a lot less smooth.
Ghost Light makes a mockery of my protestations that “I don’t like musicals”. This is two hours of thought-provoking and enjoyable theatre. I’m no expert when it comes to musicals, but I reckon it has enough to appeal to those fans who appreciate something a little darker, whilst still containing all the classic elements: wonderful choreography, great voices and a story worth telling.
Written by: Molly O’Gorman
Directed by: Elena Yianni
Choreography by: Ellie Councell
Sound design by: Frankie Martini
Lighting design by: Frankie Martini & Luke M.Francis
Ghost Light plays at The Hope Theatre until 29 July. Further information and bookings can be found here.
