Most people of my generation remember the film of Ghost starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore.

Now there is a stage version, Ghost the Musical, and it is every bit as good as the original.

The story centres around Sam Wheat who has just moved in with the love of his life Molly. During a night out Sam is robbed and shot, but instead of passing over to the afterlife he ends up staying around as a ghost where he finds the person behind his death is his best friend Carl. Sam then uses charlatan psychic Ode Mae Brown to communicate with Molly and make sure Carl gets his come-uppance.

The fusion of screen and stage worked exceptionally well with cinematic special effects, yet the pathos of real people in front of you. The blend of visual and sound effects really enhanced the experience and the belief that you were watching a ghost.

Wendy Mae Brown who took on the role of Ode Mae was stupendous with the right balance of comedy and empathy for the ghost she can hear, and the audience's reaction to her said it all.

I must admit although desperate to see the musical offering I was a little unsure how they would manage to pull it off, but pull it off they did in such a fantastic way.

I have not seen an audience so engaged with a show in a long time. Utterly fantastic.

* Until Saturday June 29, phone 0844 848 2700.

Katrina Knights