Ghost review, Piccadilly Theatre

Ghost, unlike other films that have made the transition from screen to stage (Sister Act, Priscilla, Legally Blonde) is iconic. The potter's wheel scene with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore as Sam Wheat and Molly Jensen linked in muddy lust over an ever-extending phallic vase, is cinema gold. Whoopi Goldberg got the Oscar for her supporting role as Oda Mae Brown the conwoman clairvoyant who reunites Sam and Molly after his murder. How do you follow that?

Fairly effortlessly, it seems. The stunning opener of Ghost the musical with its black and white stills and CGI effects is constantly and jaw-droppingly superseded by Derren Brown-type sleights of hand. These include painstakingly choreographed poltergeist activity, Sam - the heroic Richard Fleeshman - literally disappearing into thin air, and other ethereal events that render ectoplasm passé.

Himbo in limbo

Bruce Joel Rubin's winning storyline is proudly schmaltzy - the ghost of Sam trying to warn desolate Molly of imminent danger. The Eurythmics' Dave Stewart and co-writer Glen Ballard have created a tuneful score. The sexual chemistry is more bunsen burner than bonfire and the pot more yoni than lingham, but you still feel the love and Caissie Levy as Molly is a heavenly singer. Sharon D Clarke as Oda Mae steals the best lines, costumes and numbers. She's a joy. Andrew Langtree is a convincing, conniving baddie. And yes, there'll be laughter, wonder, sighs and tears before you head home happily humming Unchained Melody, which inevitably eclipses the new tunes.

In conclusion: Director, Matthew Warchus has created a winner. Where a tune is too long or a scene a tad over-egged, the ensemble work behind the brilliant lighting, sound, set, video and illusions, will keep you riveted.

References
Kate Bassett review, Independent
Piccadilly Theatre