Review: Ghost Stories at LOWRY is ‘theatrical horror at its most powerful and immersive’

Ghost Stories is a terrifying play that will have you jumping out of your seat.

Before the show even began, I received a note in my program from its creators, Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, urging audiences to avoid spoilers.

And they’re absolutely right—Ghost Stories is best experienced with as little prior knowledge as possible.

Ghost Stories at LOWRY

What I can reveal is that the play follows Professor Goodman (Dan Tetsell) as he recounts three chilling tales of supernatural occurrences. These stories unfold live on stage, immersing the audience in an ever-growing sense of dread.

One of the show’s most impressive elements is its flawless set design. Jon Bauser has worked magic, seamlessly transitioning between at least five distinct settings, each evoking a unique kind of fear. The changes happen so smoothly that I found myself wondering how it was even possible—it was pure stagecraft at its finest.

Flawless set design

The storytelling is gripping from start to finish. It doesn’t waver or lose momentum, keeping the audience completely absorbed as each eerie tale unfolds. Dyson and Nyman, along with director Sean Holmes, use a combination of visual, oral, and physical storytelling to build suspense in ways I didn’t expect.

The play is staged in the Lyric Theatre at The Lowry, a large venue, yet the production manages to create an atmosphere so tense and intimate that the audience felt completely trapped in its world.

Creating fear in a film is one thing—directors can rely on camera angles, special effects, and music. But on stage, building tension is much harder, as the audience can see everything in real time. Yet this production masters it brilliantly.

Through clever practical effects and perfectly timed scares, it tricks the eye and heightens the tension until you can feel the entire audience holding its breath. More than once, I found myself clutching my seat, hiding behind my program, or jumping in sheer fright.

If I had to choose a highlight, I’d say the entire show. The production left me constantly on edge, thanks to its spine-tingling sound design by Nick Manning, which built to unbearable crescendos before plunging into silence—making the fear all the more intense.

Every element, from the sets to the performances, worked together seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience.

Commanding storytelling from Dan Tetsell

The cast, though small, deserves immense praise. Dan Tetsell (Professor Goodman) held the audience’s attention effortlessly with his commanding storytelling. David Cardy (Tony Matthews) brought an eerie unpredictability to his role, making the audience shift between laughter and unease.

Eddie Loodmer-Elliot (Simon Rifkind) added youthful energy, making his story all the more relatable. And Clive Mantle (Mike Priddle) perfectly embodied a businessman whose composure is tested by something far beyond his control. Each actor brought something unique, bringing the world of Ghost Stories to life in a way that wouldn’t have been possible without them.

The audience at my performance was phenomenal—reacting at all the right moments, gasping, shrieking, and sometimes even laughing nervously. Their engagement only heightened the tension, making the experience all the more immersive.

I never considered myself a fan of horror, but Ghost Stories might have changed that. It’s a masterclass in theatrical terror and an absolute must-see for anyone looking for a spine-chilling night at the theatre. You can catch Ghost Stories at The Lowry until March 1st—if you dare.

Tickets for Ghost Stories at LOWRY

Ghost Stories is on at LOWRY from 26th February to Saturday 1st March 2025. You can get tickets by clicking here