By EMILY ROBINSON
It horrified London, petrified Sydney and is set to shock Geelong next week.
Promoters describe psychological thriller Ghost Stories as “terrifying” and not recommended for the faint-hearted.
Written by masters of macabre Jeremy Dyson (The League of Gentleman) and Andy Nyman (star of Death at a Funeral), Ghost Stories is a combination of live theatre and traditional horror.
The UK’s Liverpool Playhouse and Lyric Hammersmith produced the first adaptation before it transferred to London’s West End. The show has since spooked theatregoers in Toronto, Moscow and Sydney.
Co-director Peter J. Snee told the Indy the 80-minute horror thriller would take audiences on a “rollercoaster of emotions”.
But he declined to reveal details of the plot.
“One of Ghost Stories best features is the secret that it holds,” J. Snee said.
“Everyone wants to know what the secrets are and why they can’t find information online, it’s a credit to the show, really.”
The blood-and-gore-free drama relied on psychological suspense techniques to capture and chill the audience, J. Snee said.
“A lot of horror shows these days rely on blood and gore. I think it was a bold decision of the writers to keep blood out of the show completely.
“The show relies more on techniques that affect the human psychology. The content contains a lot of jump out of your seat and scream moments.”
The reactions of over 500,000 theatre patrons who had seen the show worldwide were mixed but positive, J. Snee said.
“In both London and Sydney, we’ve had people leave the show because they’ve found the suspense was too much for them.
“Ultimately, everyone comes out saying they’ve had a great time. There’s lots of comedy throughout the show – comedy and horror sit so comfortably together.
“In the early moments of the show, the protagonist asks the audience if they believe in ghosts.”
The director described himself “sceptical” of the reality of ghosts, but said anyone who attended the Geelong show would “come away with a chilling message” regardless of their beliefs.
The promoters ratcheted up the tension with a disclaimer: “Ghost Stories contains moments of extreme shock and tension. The play is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 13.
“Promoters advise those of a nervous disposition and pregnant women to carefully consider their decision to attend.”
Geelong Performing Arts Centre stages Ghost Stories from 8pm on 15 July and at 3pm and 8pm on 16 July.
