REVIEW:
Ghost the Musical: The Lowry, Manchester
26/04/17 - 7:30pm
Reviewed by:
Panda: 🐼🐼🐼/5
27th April 2017
Panda: 🐼🐼🐼/5
27th April 2017
There are always shows on my bucket list, and I like to tick off as many as I can, so I have an excuse to add more. Ghost the musical has been on my list for a couple of years, and I was very excited to finally see it in all it's romantic glory.
The Lowry in Manchester provides an intimate yet modern setting for the last leg of this tour, setting the scene before the curtain even lifted.
Molly, played by Kelly Hampson, was captivating from the first scene, drawing you in with her sweet and simple take on the role. Her voice seemed to come to her with no struggle at all, and it was beautiful to hear. Her rendition of With You, in which Molly describes her grief and struggle to come to terms with the loss of Sam, was stunning, capturing the audience within the moment. Hampson is the epitome of an understudy making a role their own, and still managing to capture the audience while telling the story her way. There was a sweetness and innocence to her portrayal of Molly that captured me, and made me truly care for this character. Having seen Carolyn Maitland perfect the role of Ellen in Miss Saigon a few years ago, I was looking forward to seeing her in the role of Molly. However, Hampson held her own, and I think with a bit more confidence, and more chances to step out and shine, Hampson has a beautiful career ahead of her.
Sam, played by Andy Moss, balanced on a blade between sadness and anger for the entirety of the show. His reaction to discovering his best friend had played a part in his murder was strong, and drew your attention to him well. Although he portrayed the role a little stiff at times, he does not have an easy task to undertake, in a role where he is rarely off the stage, and most of the cast on the stage are acting as if he isn't there. His emotion was raw, sometimes affecting his vocals, but not necessarily detracting from the scene.
The show stealer, however, is clearly Oda Mae, played by Jacqui Dubois. Her comedic timing was strong, and her vocals beautiful. She owned the stage the second she walked onto it, and had the audience laughing out loud throughout the show, adding a lighter mood to what is, overall, a dark tale of betrayal and loss. Her rendition of I'm Outta Here was both beautifully performed, as well as funny, and I was sad when it was over.
Ethan Bradshaw also deserves a mention for his portrayal of Carl, making you hate him by the climax of the show. His vocals were strong, and his choreography was sharp and flawless.
The finale of the show was easily the best part of the show for Moss and Hampson together, showcasing their emotional range, and I Can't Take It Anymore tugged on the hearts of all present. The staging is simply beautiful, and the acting was absolutely perfect, drawing you completely in.
Overall, the production was good, and I enjoyed it. However, some moments didn't quite work, and at times the staging and cast seemed to fall a little short of what I expected. Some of the effects were clearly visible, and the famous pottery scene from the classic movie did sadly come across more awkward than romantic. But, being at the end of a long run and with leads unwell, I think people seeing the show in its final week will enjoy themselves, and not regret going. I recommend people go and see if they can, before it's over!
The Lowry in Manchester provides an intimate yet modern setting for the last leg of this tour, setting the scene before the curtain even lifted.
Molly, played by Kelly Hampson, was captivating from the first scene, drawing you in with her sweet and simple take on the role. Her voice seemed to come to her with no struggle at all, and it was beautiful to hear. Her rendition of With You, in which Molly describes her grief and struggle to come to terms with the loss of Sam, was stunning, capturing the audience within the moment. Hampson is the epitome of an understudy making a role their own, and still managing to capture the audience while telling the story her way. There was a sweetness and innocence to her portrayal of Molly that captured me, and made me truly care for this character. Having seen Carolyn Maitland perfect the role of Ellen in Miss Saigon a few years ago, I was looking forward to seeing her in the role of Molly. However, Hampson held her own, and I think with a bit more confidence, and more chances to step out and shine, Hampson has a beautiful career ahead of her.
Sam, played by Andy Moss, balanced on a blade between sadness and anger for the entirety of the show. His reaction to discovering his best friend had played a part in his murder was strong, and drew your attention to him well. Although he portrayed the role a little stiff at times, he does not have an easy task to undertake, in a role where he is rarely off the stage, and most of the cast on the stage are acting as if he isn't there. His emotion was raw, sometimes affecting his vocals, but not necessarily detracting from the scene.
The show stealer, however, is clearly Oda Mae, played by Jacqui Dubois. Her comedic timing was strong, and her vocals beautiful. She owned the stage the second she walked onto it, and had the audience laughing out loud throughout the show, adding a lighter mood to what is, overall, a dark tale of betrayal and loss. Her rendition of I'm Outta Here was both beautifully performed, as well as funny, and I was sad when it was over.
Ethan Bradshaw also deserves a mention for his portrayal of Carl, making you hate him by the climax of the show. His vocals were strong, and his choreography was sharp and flawless.
The finale of the show was easily the best part of the show for Moss and Hampson together, showcasing their emotional range, and I Can't Take It Anymore tugged on the hearts of all present. The staging is simply beautiful, and the acting was absolutely perfect, drawing you completely in.
Overall, the production was good, and I enjoyed it. However, some moments didn't quite work, and at times the staging and cast seemed to fall a little short of what I expected. Some of the effects were clearly visible, and the famous pottery scene from the classic movie did sadly come across more awkward than romantic. But, being at the end of a long run and with leads unwell, I think people seeing the show in its final week will enjoy themselves, and not regret going. I recommend people go and see if they can, before it's over!