Review: Ghost Stories UK tour, Glasgow

Lisa in the theatre
2 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 12 minutes ago

Glasgow’s oldest theatre, the Theatre Royal, plays host to Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s acclaimed play Ghost Stories this week. Following a two-year run in London's West End, and a film starring Martin Freeman, the first full UK tour of Ghost Stories now brings the scares to Scotland. Read my review below.

Ghost Stories: Written by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman

Directed by Jeremy Dyson, Andy Nyman and Sean Holmes

Review: Theatre Royal, Glasgow | 08 April 2025

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Ghost Stories review, 2025 UK Tour, Glasgow ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Glasgow Theatre Royal, built in 1867, is known for its paranormal activity. Resident ghost Nora, a former cleaner who yearned to perform on stage, haunts the Upper Circle, moaning and flipping seats in the auditorium. But don't think you're safe in the Stalls either, for Nora is not alone. A fireman who died at the theatre in 1869 is said to haunt the orchestra pit.

This week they will have some spooky friends for company as Jeremy Dyson (The League of Gentlemen) and Andy Nyman's Ghost Stories arrives at the Theatre Royal from the 8th - 12th April.

The audience for Ghost Stories are asked to keep the secrets of the show; and I agree it's probably best to head in to see this one without knowing much about it if you can. The production photos don't give anything away and nor will I. I had no idea what I was going to see on opening night in Glasgow and I walked away thoroughly amused and elated.

But to give you some kind of idea of what you're in for:

Ghost Stories opens with Professor Goodman (Dan Tetsell) speaking to the audience from behind a lectern. He introduces us to three paranormal cases that he has come across during his career. Each of the three cases are acted out on stage, and it's left up to you to decide if there could be a rational explanation for these apparent hauntings.

Professor Goodman educates us as well as entertains us, and I found the whole concept to be wildly entertaining. It is nerve-wracking at times, but I grinned all the way through! After all, I knew I was safe - it's only a story... Or is it?!

Dan Tetsell in Ghost Stories. Photo credit: Hugo Glendinning

I will say no more about the plot than that, but the cast for all sections of the play are excellent. Joining Dan Tetsell are David Cardy (Birds of a Feather), Clive Mantle (Casualty), Eddie Loodmer-Elliott, Lucas Albion and Simon Bass.

Ghost Stories runs straight through in a single act of 90 minutes with no interval. This works well both to keep the tension heightened in the auditorium and to keep the audience in their seats.

Ghost Stories sets the mood from the outset: Atmospheric drips and howls can be heard in the background as soon as you enter the theatre lobby. Then once you take your seats in the auditorium, you may notice a flickering light or two. I love this kind of thing! I appreciate very much when productions make the effort to immerse the audience in its world building.

Warning: During the show, on a number of occasions, the theatre auditorium is plunged into complete darkness. Even the omnipresent Emergency Exit signs are extinguished. I'm surprised this is allowed to be honest, but it's only for few seconds each time. However, be warned - it is unsettling! I've never experienced darkness like it in a theatre. I was scared to blink, let alone move from my seat during these moments.

Ghost Stories also comes with a general warning that the show contains "moments of extreme shock and tension" and is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15. Personally I found the jump scares to be signposted a mile off and the stories to be more amusing than terrifying. Some of the, let's say "props" to avoid any spoilers, were more B-movie absurd than realistic paranormal phenomena. However everyone is different, and the production definitely does a fantastic job of building tension and creating a very spooky atmosphere. Sounds come from all over the auditorium and you never know when something is going to happen. That was the scariest part for me - the waiting.

The stories are all well written and performed, and some of the special effects and stagecraft are simply jaw dropping. There are at least a few 'tricks' that I'm at a loss to explain. It's so much fun! One of the writer / directors behind Ghost Stories, Andy Nyman, is a co-creator of Derren Brown's stage and TV shows.

Ghost Stories does rely on a few horror tropes that have certainly been done before. But I still found the storytelling to be satisfying and clever. In the hands of this talented cast and creative team, there are moments of humour and moments of heartbreak to found in amongst the scares.

Are you brave enough to book? Ghost Stories is at Glasgow Theatre Royal from Tues 8 - Sat 12 April 2025 and then continues on tour across the UK in 2025 before heading back to London. Find Ghost Stories listings here

Want to know more about Ghost Stories? Read an interview with writers Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson here