At the request of the producers, it’s asked that the plot and secrets of Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s critically acclaimed ‘Ghost Stories’ is left undivulged and ‘spoiler-free’- but should we play along?

Since its conception in 2010, ‘Ghost Stories’ has been thrilling audiences on an international scale with its insidious charm. Upon entering the theatre, theatrics are amped up to one hundred: flickering lights, suspensefully ambient orchestrations and an ominously ironic ‘safety curtain’ await. It’s here that the story is told through the lens of Professor Goodman (Dan Tetsell)- here to lecture the audience on how he can debunk the fantastical theories surrounding evidence of the supernatural.

Tetsell leads a four-strong company- strong being the operative word, here. David Cardy, Eddie Loodmer-Elliott and Clive Mantle join him in creating a cast of characters whose stories brim with nightmarish realities, creating suspense and tension that most modern horror-plays could only dream of.

In a triumphant return of the original creative team, standout production elements come from Sound Designer, Nick Manning. Innovative, immersive and, in parts, down right intimidating, Manning’s harrowing creation is a hellish creature all of its own- in the very best way. Illuminated by Sean Holmes’ careful direction, Jon Bausor’s Set Design ekes into your subconscious fears and its clever use of forced perspective is surprisingly unnerving. Versatile by nature, it never allows for the same trick to occur twice and is bolstered by James Farncombe’s unsettlingly alluring Lighting Design. Through the use of these lighting effects, vulnerability is the result; never affording the audience the luxury of being able to believe their senses. Crown this with Scott Penrose’s seamless special effects and it’s a genuinely chilling feast to be enjoyed. (Plus, refreshingly screen-free, the thrills are well-earned.)

At its worst, it could be perceived as borderline hammy in parts. Some of the scares are buffered by comedy and this sometimes warms up the chills, however- the twists and turns are plentiful.

So, back to the original question- should we play along? Most definitely. If your appetite’s been whet- book yourself a ticket and see if your dreams are still as sweet upon your return home.

Happy screaming!

Ghost Stories plays at Lowry until Saturday 1st March, further information and booking details can be found here.

Tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review.

Photography by Hugo Glendinning.