Ghost Off!
Written by James Peake
Directed by Beth Morton
Òran Mór, Glasgow | 31 October 2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Play, A Pie and a Pint's Halloween special for 2024 is Ghost Off! in which we meet Glasgow psychic Ann-Marie Bain-Marie as she sets out to prove that she's the real deal and win a million-pound prize in the process.
With superb performances, a smart script and plenty of spooky, good spirited fun - this is one of the best 'A Play, A Pie, and a Pint' productions I've seen.
When the sceptical producers of a popular podcast and YouTube channel offer £1 million to anyone who can prove the existence of ghosts on camera, Madame Ann-Marie Bain-Marie (Julie Coombe) invites their presenter (Esme Bayley) to her salon in Glasgow. With her son (Afton Moran) dressed as a Victorian ghost, some well rehearsed tricks and perfectly placed props, Anne-Marie is sure that she can convince the sceptics of her paranormal abilities and win the cash prize. But it's Halloween and all is not as it seems...
Immediately obvious at Ghost Off!, the production values far surpass that which should be expected for the ticket price, with an elaborate set and excellent lighting amplifying the ghostly drama. Ghost Off! has notes of "The Play That Goes Wrong" at times, with props and effects seemingly misbehaving - when in reality they're perfectly timed to extract maximum hilarity. But although there is plenty of physical comedy in Ghost Off! it never strays too far into farce.
The pacing is perfect, and the story is detailed and complete without any unnecessary side plots or distractions. The dialogue is sharp, with lots of local Glasgow and topical pop-culture references for audiences to enjoy. The jokes are clever, frequent and expertly delivered by a phenomenal cast.
Each of the three actors - Julie Coombe, Afton Moran and Esme Bayley - bring their characters to life beautifully, with impeccable comic timing and pitch perfect delivery of the hilarious, well-edited script. Julie Coombe's medium is a magnificent creation, and her audience work is sublime. Afton Moran's physical comedy and facial expressions are priceless. Together the three performers have exquisite chemistry; it's a joy to watch them bounce off one another.
With an uproarious spooky script, glorious performances and savvy direction, Ghost Off! is a comedy play that's perfect for Halloween but could equally hold its own at any time of year. It's everything you want from an hour of lunchtime theatre: entertaining and engaging with a satisfying story that has a bit of mystery and a whole heap of fun. I laughed my socks off for the full hour; and if the roars of appreciation from the audience were anything to go by, I was not alone.
Ghost Off! is the full package and a perfect play, pie, pint production. Don't miss it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ghost Off! plays at
Òran Mór, Glasgow
Mon 28 October - Sat 02 November 2024 1pm
Tickets £16 - £19.50 at www.ticketweb.uk or 0141 357 6200 (opt 4)
🍺 As always with A Play, A Pie and A Pint your ticket price not only includes some new and exciting theatre, but a scotch pie (or vegan alternative) and a drink.
Ghost Off! Cast & Creatives
Cast:
Esme Bayley
Julie Coombe
Afton Moran
Creative Team:
Writer: James Peake
Director: Beth Morton
Designer: Heather Grace Currie
Assistant Director: James Dawoud
📸 Production photos: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
Ghost Off! review, A Play, A Pie and A Pint Halloween special 2024, Oran Mor, Glasgow.
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🎟️ Disclosure: I was invited to review this show and received a complimentary ticket in exchange. Neither the venue nor show has a say in what I write. I'm completely independent and invites have no impact on my analysis or star ratings.
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