Ghost: The Musical attempts to breathe new life into the 1990 film, bringing the story of love, loss and the afterlife to the stage with a stunning visual spectacle. The plot – which follows the tragic death of banker Sam Wheat (Josh St Clair) and his attempt to reach his artist girlfriend, Molly Jensen (Rebekah Lowings) with the help of a fraudulent psychic, Oda Mae Brown (Jacqui Dubois) – has all the makings of a heart-wrenching tale.
Yet, despite the dazzling set designs and impressive technical feats, the musical ultimately struggles to deliver the emotional depth that made the film a cultural touchstone.
Visually, Ghost is nothing short of spectacular. The set is a marvel, with seamless transitions that keep the action flowing effortlessly from scene to scene. Particularly impressive is the subway setting, which feels like a showstopper in itself – a true feat of design and innovation. The blend of illusions and physical theatre to represent Sam’s ghostly presence is ambitious, yet despite the technical wizardry, these moments often feel clunky.
Where the show falters most, however, is in its handling of the central love story between Sam and Molly. In the film, their connection is palpable – intimate, sensual and emotionally rich. On stage, this chemistry is sorely lacking. The famed pottery wheel moment, which should be a tender highlight, feels rushed and devoid of its sensuality. It’s a clear attempt to echo the film’s magic, but instead feels like a hollow gesture. The emotional weight of their relationship doesn’t land, making it difficult for the audience to invest in their struggle or feel the heartbreak of their separation.
Both St Clair and Lowings deliver solid vocal performances, but their characters aren’t fleshed out, leaving them little room to connect with the audience on a deeper level. Lowings’ powerful voice does a lot of the emotional heavy lifting, but despite her vocal strength, Molly’s character remains underdeveloped. Her grief feels more like a surface-level response than a fully realised emotional arc. It feels shallow, never truly resonating with the audience. St Clair’s portrayal of Sam similarly struggles to hit the right emotional notes. His initial reluctance to say “I love you” – a trait that might have once felt relatable – now comes across as another example of a woman bearing the emotional burden of teaching a man to express his feelings. Rather than drawing the audience in, Sam’s emotional journey feels more frustrating than endearing.
It’s in this lack of depth that Ghost truly loses its way. The production relies heavily on its technical spectacle – flashing lights, booming sound effects and billowing smoke – creating an overwhelming sensory experience that often drowns out the storytelling.
The show’s reliance on flashy effects may provide a thrilling surface-level experience, but it ultimately fails to capture the resonance that made the original film so beloved. The film’s blend of romance, mystery and supernatural elements created a nuanced balance between sentiment and tension. The stage production, in contrast, leans so heavily into its technical achievements that the quieter, more intimate moments – the ones that should anchor the emotional core of the story – get lost in the noise.
The true star of Ghost however, is Jacqui Dubois. As Oda Mae Brown, the fraudulent psychic who becomes Sam’s only link to the living world, Dubois injects the production with much-needed humour, energy and warmth. Her performance is larger-than-life and provides the only fully realised character on stage. Without her, Ghost would feel devoid of spirit, both literally and figuratively.
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Ghost: The Musical is a feast for the eyes, with its stunning effects and ambitious set design, but it struggles to leave a lasting impact. The visuals may captivate, but without a strong emotional foundation, the story feels more superficial than meaningful. For those in search of a night of glitzy entertainment, the musical will certainly deliver, but if you’re looking for the deep, heartfelt connection that made the original film unforgettable, you may find Ghost falls short.
Ghost: The Musical
The Alexandra, Birmingham
Director: Bob Tomson
Choreography: Alistair David
Design: Mark Bailey
Lighting: Nick Richings
Sound: Dan Samson
Illusions: Richard Pinner
Musical Director: Jordan Alexander
Musical Supervisor: Jeremy Wootton
Cast: Rebekah Lowings, Josh St Clair, Jacqui Dubois, James Mateo-Salt, Les Dennis, Jules Brown, Garry Lee, Tim Maxwell-Clarke, Tanisha Butterfield, Keiahna Jackson-Jones, Molly Cleere, Gabrielle Cummins, Olivia-Rose Deer, Wade Lewin, Jamie Pritchard, Joe Readman, Lewis Asquith
Ghost: The Musical will be performed at The Alexandra until 5 April before touring to New Victoria Theatre, Woking on 15 April 2025.
