Ghost The Musical – Review – Bradford Alhambra Theatre
By Sue Dean, October 2024
Ghost the Musical at Bradford Alhambra proves that a beloved film can indeed be successfully translated to the stage. The production, which reimagines the iconic 1990 movie, combines deft performances, clever stagecraft, and haunting music to deliver a theatre experience both exhilarating and profoundly emotional.
The success of this adaptation rests largely on the palpable chemistry between Rebekah Lowings as Molly and Josh St Clair as Sam. Both deliver stirring performances that breathe life—and depth—into these familiar characters. Lowings’ range is on full display in her solo numbers, effortlessly shifting from quiet vulnerability to heart-wrenching intensity, while St Clair commands attention every time he steps on stage, imbuing Sam’s ghostly presence with both gravitas and tenderness. Their portrayals make the stakes of the story feel incredibly real, prompting the audience to collectively root for Sam’s unlikely mission to protect Molly from beyond the grave.
The narrative opens with Sam and Molly moving into their new Brooklyn loft, full of hope and love, with a mutual friend, Carl (played by James Mateo-Salt), who subtly weaves himself into their lives. Tensions quickly escalate when Sam’s suspicions about discrepancies at work collide with Carl’s hidden agenda, a dangerous mix that leaves Sam fatally wounded in an attempted robbery. From this moment, the production leans on its smart staging and lighting to portray Sam’s transition from life to the spectral realm. The ghostly effects are impressively subtle yet impactful—most notably in a cleverly staged body double trick that solidifies Sam’s new form as a ghost and in lighting techniques that render the dead in a washed-out glow against the vibrancy of the living.
“Sass and charm”
As Sam’s journey progresses, the set undergoes seamless transformations, taking the audience from Molly and Sam’s apartment to the dangerous subway where he learns to wield his new powers. The “Get off my train” scene is a particular highlight, brought to life with atmospheric lighting and a gripping performance from Garry Lee as the volatile Subway Ghost. This section underscores the production’s strength in marrying suspense with magical realism, enhancing the story’s supernatural elements with physical and emotional weight.
Jacqui Dubois as Oda Mae Brown—the psychic medium who inadvertently becomes Sam’s lifeline to the physical world—provides much-needed comedic relief. Her exuberant energy and comic timing immediately captivate, and from her first appearance, Dubois threatens to steal every scene she’s in. With her blend of sass and charm, Oda Mae becomes an essential character, helping Molly to connect with Sam’s spirit and unwittingly thrusting herself into Carl’s treacherous plot. Dubois manages to balance humour with the genuine empathy that Oda Mae develops for Molly and Sam, which resonates deeply with the audience.
Les Dennis also brings warmth and depth to the role of the hospital ghost. His portrayal adds a touch of levity and kindness, giving Sam a brief but poignant mentor who helps him navigate his new reality. Dennis’s performance is subtle yet memorable, anchoring the supernatural theme with a sense of wisdom and compassion.
“Beautifully rendered”
In a climactic Act II, Sam, with the help of Oda Mae, orchestrates a clever takedown of Carl, culminating in a tense struggle. Here, James Mateo-Salt’s performance as Carl hits its stride; his portrayal of the greedy, increasingly desperate friend is nuanced enough to evoke an almost reluctant pity even as he descends into villainy.
The production’s emotional weight crescendos with the much-anticipated “Unchained Melody,” woven throughout but saved for a soul-stirring finale that leaves barely a dry eye in the house. Sam and Molly’s bittersweet farewell is beautifully rendered, a testament to the musical’s ability to capture both the magic and fragility of love.
Ghost the Musical honours its cinematic roots with a heartfelt tribute to love, loss, and redemption. For fans of the film and newcomers alike, this stage adaptation is a must-see, blending nostalgia with fresh theatrical artistry—so be prepared to laugh, gasp, and most certainly, shed a tear.
‘Ghost the Musical is at Bradford Alhambra until 2nd November
images: Alastair Muir
