A night of terror, palpitations, and screams are guaranteed with “Ghost Stories” currently playing Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre until Saturday 29th March 2025.
To avoid spoilers, there is no insight into the fear that awaits you in this review, however, be rest assured that Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s script for this play is packed with the ingredients you would expect from a high-quality horror movie. They also direct this play with Sean Holmes and truly utilize every bit of stagecraft, to create a hostile environment where the audience feel unsafe and on the edge of their seat anticipating a jump scare.
The visuals in this play are highly impressive and at points disturbing, featuring atmospheric lighting from James Farncombe, incredible special effects from Scott Penrose, with gritty set design and rich costume design from Jon Bausor. Nick Manning also should be applauded for building to this environment with his superb sound design.
The actors featured in this play do well to bring us light and shade, helping establish each scene and building tension, yet ensuring that there’s enough light-hearted humour to avoid audience members having a panic attack.
Dan Tetsell leads this cast as Professor Goodman, a narrator like character who helps guide the audience through what can be a traumatic narrative. Dan brings a great comedic nuance and playful persona to this role that works brilliantly to keep the audience engaged throughout.
David Cardy as Tony Matthews brings such a naturalistic portrayal of this old geezer. Initially, we are presented with a chatty cockney, but as the play goes on – you see beyond this front. David’s approach to Tony has a sense of realism and a good build to the tension for the horror that undoubtedly ensues.
Eddie Loodmer-Elliot is hilarious as Simon Rifkind, the approach Eddie has taken to Simon instantly resonates with the audience. Right enough, this isn’t too safe a connection for the illusion of a hostile environment to be broken.
Clive Mantle is chilling as Mike Priddle, helping bring us a complex character, that sets us on the track to the hair-raising conclusion of this play.
Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman have truly utilized the potential of creating fear within a theatre environment. This play is a thrilling experience which truly brings the staples of the horror genre to life before the audience’s eyes.
Get tickets for the rest of the Edinburgh run, plus Aberdeen and Glasgow dates here – https://ghoststoriesplay.com/#tour-dates
Aberdeen (His Majesty’s Theatre) – 1st – 5th April 2025
Glasgow (Theatre Royal) – 8th – 12th April 2025
Theatre Scotland 
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