With book and lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin, who adapted his own Academy Award-winning screenplay, Ghost the Musical captures the highs of the original film while also improving some of its major flaws. The soaring romance of Molly (Rebekah Lowings) and Sam (Josh St. Clair) remains compelling, as does the broad comedy of Sam’s interactions with a psychic who isn’t quite as fake as she wants to be (Jacqui Dubois doing sterling work in the Whoopi Goldberg role).

Bob Tomson’s direction avoids the tonal unevenness and unsteady pacing of the movie, aided by Alistair David’s spry choreography and Mark Bailey’s stylish design. But the songs (by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard) are serviceable rather than memorable – the one tune that everyone will remember is the one they already knew going in.

Production Credits

Ghost the Musical by Bruce Joel Rubin (book) and Dave Stuart and Glen Ballard (music and lyrics)

Sunderland Empire, 27 August 2024

Starring Rebekah Lowings, Josh St. Clair, Jacqui Dubois, James Mateo-Salt, Les Dennis, Jules Brown, Garry Lee, Tanisha Butterfield, Keiahna Jackson-Jones, Molly Cleere, Gabrielle Cummins, Olivia-Rose Deer, Wade Lewin, Jamie Pritchard, Joe Readman

Directed by Bob Tomson

Ghost the Musical is scheduled to run at Sunderland Empire until 31 August 2024 before going on tour – for tickets and more information visit atgtickets.com/shows/ghost-the-musical/

You can read our full-page review in October issue of Musicals magazine, on sale 27 September – consider subscribing today!