Classic Ghosts – Review of the show

Some of the staff at The Courtyard visited our neighbouring theatre, Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury to watch Classic Ghosts before it comes to Hereford in February (Wed 11 – Sat 14 February).

Middleground Theatre Company will bring their production of two stories to The Courtyard for the first week long drama production for a long time. Middleground Theatre are based locally in Malvern and have an excellent reputation for the quality of their productions.

As we took our seats in the auditorium the mood was set with the eerie looking set on stage as the lights when down for the first half of two spooky stories, Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come To You My Lad, which is set in a faded and jaded hotel near the sea. Dicken Ashworth plays the slightly suspicious landlord, Jack Shepherd’s character, Professor Parkins visits on an out of season holiday. During his visit Professor Parkins visits the beach and finds an old bone whistle which has the inscription: Who is this who is coming? After he blows the whistle some very strange things start to happen.

There are some effects that set me on the edge of my seat, waiting for that ‘jump’ moment to happen! It is difficult to write a review and not give the game away, so come and watch, but be prepared.

ghost blog 2

After the interval the set was changed to a striking looking railway line with a signal box hanging mid air for the adaptation of Charles Dickens’ The Signalman. The story is about a tormented signalman who is haunted by visions of an impending disaster. The story evolves during the second half to have a shocking surprise at the end of the show.

Overall this show is a great afternoon/evening out for those who like a spooky story to get them going with some great talented TV talent, which includes Terrance Hardiman who many of us will remember as the equally scary Demon Headmaster.

Dicken Ashworth small Jack Shepherd small Terrence Hardiman Small

 

Dicken Ashworth                  Jack Shepherd                    Terrence Hardiman

This production is part of a suspense season. Other productions in the season include Circus of Horrors, Tiger Lillies, The Elephant Man, Tales from the Intermediate Youth Theatre, The Picture of Dorian Gray and an adapted production of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. If you buy tickets for Classic Ghosts and one more of these shows you can get 30% off tickets.