Congress Theatre Eastbourne – 26th – 29th March 2025
Ghost the Musical has arrived at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne, bringing the beloved 1990 film to life on stage with heart, humour and impressive vocals.
With a cast giving it their all, the show delivers romance, drama and supernatural spectacle that keeps the audience fully invested from start to finish.
Oscar-winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin has adapted his screenplay for this musical and it closely follows the film. Sam and Molly are deeply in love but tragedy strikes when Sam is murdered in what appears to be a random mugging. Stuck between life and the afterlife, he discovers that Molly is in danger and must find a way to communicate with her.
Enter Oda Mae Brown, a fraudulent psychic who suddenly finds herself with a real connection to the spirit world.
Rebekah Lowings shines as Molly Jenson. She is the musical’s beating heart with powerful vocals, filled with emotion, particularly in the gut-wrenching song With You which left more than a few audience members misty-eyed.
Josh St Clair as Sam Wheat brings charm and sincerity to the role, handling the emotional weight well and showcasing strong vocals. Stepping into Patrick Swayze’s shoes is no easy task but he provided a slightly goofier version of Sam which worked well.
Molly and Sam’s chemistry feels genuine, making their love story totally believable. The absence of some of the racier scenes from the film is noticeable, though the iconic pottery scene makes an appearance with a hilarious twist.
Jacqui Dubois steals the show as Oda Mae Brown. Taking on Whoopi Goldberg’s iconic role effortlessly, she injects energy and comedic timing into every scene. Her numbers, including Are You A Believer and I’m Outta Here, are some of the highlights of the night.
James Mateo-Salt also delivers a solid performance as Carl Brunner, the story’s antagonist, though his arc feels slightly underdeveloped compared to the film.
The staging is clever, using lighting to create a ghostly atmosphere. The subway scene where Sam encounters the Subway Ghost, played menacingly by Garry Lee, is particularly effective with impressive visual effects that make the supernatural elements feel believable.
The musical reaches its emotional peak with a stunning rendition of Unchained Melody in the second act, performed as a duet between Molly and Sam. The harmonies are gorgeous and the moment is beautifully staged, leaving many in the audience visibly moved.
Ghost the Musical translates well to the stage, delivering a faithful adaptation with a talented cast, strong performances and memorable music.
Ghost the Musical review – 5 stars
Image credit – Alastair Muir
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