Ghost the Musical

Ghost the Musical ... staged by BOS Musical Theatre Company at Southport Little Theatre, Hoghton Street, Southport on Wednesday 28th May 2025.

I think we all probably know the basic story of ‘Molly and Sam’ thanks to the well-known film version of this musical, starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopie Goldberg. The musical, written in 2011, tells the same story but with a new score.  The story revolves around Sam and Molly setting up home together, their lives seem perfect but then Sam discovers discrepancies in some accounts at the bank where he works. Before he has time to investigate, Sam and Molly are ‘mugged’ in the street and Sam is killed. Now, an ethereal ghost... Sam seeks, from beyond the grave... who his killer was, whilst trying to protect Molly!

Production Team Liz Clarke (Director), David Wall (Musical Director), Kim Helm (Choreographer) should all be congratulated not only for their thought and vision in staging this production, but the foresight to choose such an ambitious project in the first place. From the opening scene to finale bows, it really was all about ‘detail’ and I’ll come to the impressive technical detail shortly.  Liz did a great job with the casting and the direction and it was obvious, as soon as the lights came up, that the cast were well-rehearsed and up for the challenge!  David’s Musical Direction was spot on ... the balance between orchestra and singer(s) was fabulous and enhanced the production so much, never overpowering always supporting! The Choreo, more movement than dance I would suggest, was amazingly effective, creating and conveying the narrative, whilst enhancing the story telling ever so well ... be very proud you three ... great job!  

REAR PROJECTION ... I must bring to the fore the impressive ‘high quality graphics and videos’ used throughout this production to establish location, enhance the plot and convey the trickier parts of the forty-one scenes, cut between ten or so different locations. These images were projected onto a ‘screen’ that literally filled the entire back width of the stage.  MY favourite scene(s) had to be the ‘train scenes’ with the ‘ghostly passings’ where the projection was used to its intricate/imaginative best. The man responsible for the design was Tom Maurice, who I believe, is part of Knutsford Musical Theatre Company and Keele University. I honestly can’t remember seeing ‘projection’
used more effectively or impressively as this!

The Cast ... as previously stated Liz had done a terrific job with the casting, with no real weak links and everyone giving of their best.  I will select some favourites below, but let me first introduce you to the cast... our two leads, who can’t be spoken of separately because they definitely came as a ‘pair’ ... Oliver Ridgeway and Lucie Colman who played ‘Sam Wheat’ and ‘Molly Jensen’ (respectively); Heather Lewis took the role of ‘Oda Mae Brown’, Craig Billington played ‘Carl Brunner’; Carl Sedman played ‘Willy Lopez’.  Dominic Johnson played the ‘Subway Ghost’ with great aplomb; Daniel King was the ‘Hospital Ghost’... Chloe Davies and Sam Keen ... played ‘Louise and Clara Brown’ Ode Mae’s sisters. The Ensemble included Katie Allen, Oliver Bailey, Beth Frackleton, Aynsley Littler, Charlotte Littler, Saffron Livesey, Rachael Perrett, Nicola Powell, Sophie Rimmer, Like Rimmer, Kayleigh Ryan and Hollie Wills.  As most will know, I’m never one to ‘sit on the fence’... so if I may, I’d like to share with you MY three favourite performances, you’ll no doubt have your own, but these are mine!  MY first and second choice, as stated above ‘came as a pair’... our two leads ‘Molly and Sam’, played ever so well by Lucie Colman and Oliver Ridgeway. The performance of these two characters really is the key to the success of this musical. It’s essential that their chemistry is believable, their intimacy and passion tangible, plus they need the ability to show sadness and frustration, especially after Sam’s death!  Let’s just say that this was never a problem, established from the word go! Both Lucie and Oliver have great stage presence and a great ability to create totally believable characters. With multiple songs to sing (solos/duets), it’s also vital that they are together vocally.  Lucie is blessed with a wonderful voice, but having never heard Oliver sing, I wasn’t sure if he would/could match Lucie in the vocal department ... but again, this never became an issue, Oliver provided us with a great account of his vocal abilities ... be very proud you two ... you ‘nailed’ these roles!  My final choice, and possibly a ‘show stealing performance’ came from the impressive characterisation of ‘Oda Mae Brown’ by Heather Lewis.  I’m going to suggest that this isn’t the easiest of roles to make your own because of the many expectations created from the memorable portrayal by Whoopi Goldberg in the film, but Heather did it her way to wonderful effect, creating this fabulous colourful character who has some of the best and funniest lines in the show, which she delivered with effortless ease.  Her every appearance provided warmth and humour that just lifted the production from the depths of the sadness and loss! I loved her involvement vocally in ‘Are you a Believer’ and ‘Talking About a Miracle’ .... be very proud Heather, be very proud everyone .... wonderful production!

Stage/Tech/Design... having ‘waxed lyrical’ about the ‘projection’, I won’t go there again, other than to say the impressive videos used, involving the lead actors, were directed by Liz Clarke and filmed by Ian Lawson Photography. The set/the space/the access and exits points were all used well throughout, which allowed the show to flow at a great pace. To have this happen you need, and we got... quiet and efficient physical scene changes, so its congrats to Andrea Shacksmyth-Claire (Stage Manager), Hollie Power (Assistant Stage Manager) and their crew ...  Phil Power, Alan Casserley, Kieran Moore, Karen Browne, Ellie Atherton, Ben Keen, Harry Corcoran and Dave Sidey.  Sound Design was by Dave Murray ...worked really well. Lighting Design by Sam Robinson-Davies was well arranged and thoughtfully planned; I particularly liked an ‘orange lighting phase’ set around Lucie in Act 2... from where I was sat, it just framed Lucie so beautifully ... it was stunning!   Well done folks... everything above enhanced this production!
 
The Orchestra... lead ever so well by David Wall (Musical Director) with Corey Gerrard (Keys); Sarah Dutch (Reed); Cliff Ray (Trumpet); Jess Holding (Violin); Becca Nolan (Cello), Paul Taft (Guitar); Adam Dutch (Bass) and Sam Jones (Drums).  Located behind the ‘screen’ at the rear of the stage ... they created this wonderfully balanced sound that again enhanced this production so well!
  
Costumes ... congrats to the Wardrobe Team ... Wendy Harris, Linda Hesketh, Carol Taylor and Elaine Fitzgerald for their hard work in producing and pulling together such an effective wardrobe.
Props ... were authentic and used well ... pulled together by Karen Browne and Anita Hutson.

Anita Hutson... BOS in their programme notes dedicate this production to the memory of Anita, who passed away but a few weeks ago. I’ve known Anita for many, many years having played many roles alongside her. A friend, someone who was never without a smile on her face ... her passing was a tragedy and a shock!  BOS state in their programme that ‘she will be sadly missed’... missed for sure! Can I on behalf of myself and NODA take this opportunity to say RIP Anita!

Thank you so much for inviting Susan and I and for your hospitality and attention throughout ...
we thoroughly enjoyed the production which you all should be ever so proud of! 

Stay safe, Keep well ...
Stronger Together
Jim Briscoe ...
NODA NW
District 6 Rep

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