If you’re into ghost stories, weird happenings, or anything that makes you question what’s lurking in the shadows, Ghost Stories, currently on a UK tour after its successful West End run, should be right up your street.
We were asked not to give anything about the story away in any review, and after watching this at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham I agree, this is something you should experience for yourself… but let me try and at least paint a picture.
It’s not just about scares — it’s the kind of show that draws you in and leaves you feeling like you’ve been part of something unsettling in the best possible way.
The set design is impressive, using forced perspective to create a distorted sense of space that plays tricks on your eyes. Scenes seem to stretch further than they should, or suddenly feel claustrophobic — adding to that creeping feeling that something isn’t quite right.
Lighting plays a big role too, and they do some very clever stuff with it to create a deeply creepy atmosphere. Shadows are thrown in unexpected places, or you’re plunged into near darkness at just the right moment, giving the impression that something — or someone — might be lurking just out of sight. That said, there were a couple of moments where the lights were a bit too intense, almost blinding the audience for a bit longer than necessary, which distracted from the tension.
Added to this is the clever use of sound. From sudden sharp noises that make you jump to low, rumbling tones that build tension without you even realizing it, combined with the eerie silences in between, the audio design is masterfully done. However, there were a few instances where the volume seemed a little too much, which slightly took away from the overall experience. Despite this, the sound and lighting still played key roles in building an unsettling atmosphere.
The cast works together brilliantly, and the clever use of props helps to tell the story in a way that feels natural and engaging. There are moments when the audience is directly addressed, which makes you feel involved in what’s unfolding, almost like you’re part of the whole thing rather than just watching it play out.
The pacing is spot on, never dragging but never rushing either. It gives you enough time to absorb what’s happening before moving things forward, keeping the tension high without overdoing it.
If you love anything spooky, unusual, or just a solid ghost story, this is one you won’t want to miss.
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