Ghost The Musical Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Amanda Dando

Ghost the Musical presented by Bill Kenwright Ltd rolled into Aylesbury tonight. The Aylesbury Waterside is situated in the heart of the town, with good parking facilities, along with several choices of bars for a pre show drink available. Tickets delivered via email from ATG can be downloaded into your phone wallet, which makes life super easy on entry, no hunting for pdfs and trying to frantically open before you get to the front of the queue.

While we were taking our seats I did hear someone say they had never seen the film, I thought surely not, who hasn’t seen Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg in the much famed film version, it’s a big ask to follow in their footsteps that’s for sure. So I was filled with excitement to see this stage version.

I must say, I have never known people to take to their seats so so late, with more than a few arriving after the show had opened. Poor form in my opinion, not just for those of us who have to stand to allow you in, but the actors on the stage.

The show intrigued me, as I wondered how they would deal with Sam the Ghost, and how thing would unravel without the aid of film trickery, I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but they managed magnificently. Ghost is essentially a love story, the love story of Molly Jenson, played by Rebekah Lowings and Sam Wheat, played by Josh St Clair. They both had wonderful voices, but I thought Josh was outstanding, and his version in the first act of Unchained Melody left me wanting to feel his touch! Literally the hair was standing up on the back on my neck. The staging was brilliant and reminiscent of the original film, sorry if you haven’t seen it, it’s a must watch film.

The small cast were all outstanding, with a cameo role with the legend who is Les Dennis. Sorry I wasn’t a fan of Subway Ghost, too loud for me, but the train scenes were good. Throughout the show the staging and atmosphere it created was brilliant.

Talking of brilliant, the star of the show is Jacqui Dubois, playing Oda Mae Brown, she was just amazing, what a voice, what a presence. She most certainly would give Whoopi Goldberg a run for her money. What a voice. You were an absolute pleasure to watch and listen to, I don’t think you put a foot wrong, and stole every scene you were in.

The atmosphere is charged and you are totally drawn into this love story. I felt the pain of Molly’s loss, and the despair that she felt, wanting to be touched and held one more time, as we all would in that life changing situation. I felt the love tonight, I really did, I felt touched by the sensitivity created on stage, the love that none of us would want to let go of. It’s most certainly a musical you will want to see, well done everyone, it was a great night.
Rating: 5/5

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/ghost-the-musical/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/

Tickets cost from £15.00 plus £3.95 transaction fee
Ghost the Musical is at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from 23 August to 24 August 2024
For more information or to book tickets visit atgtickets.com or call the box office on 0333 009 5399
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Exchange Street, Aylesbury HP20 1UG