As the last acts of the play are staged and Sir Simon’s ghost is set free from 300 hundred years of haunting, the musical hall sections descend into darker territories charting the smoky disappearance of the music hall acts which leads to an intriguingly and successfully somber and melancholic ending after all of the high jinx.
Oscar Wilde puritans are likely to be uncertain with this reimagining, as much of Wilde’s original story is truncated and characters cut to fit the music hall retelling. Fusing music, magic and comedy could jar with the storytelling, however the various elements have been cleverly integrated to feel like a natural part of a music hall show, whilst successfully keeping the overall feel and the atmosphere of a smoky Victorian music hall.
The performers are thoroughly entertaining and skilful in their own fields throughout and their energy and commitment never dips. At the same time they all gel together as part of the ensemble of characters within the sections of the play.
The Canterville Ghost has plenty of heart, warmth and humour which will appeal to older children and adults alike and is a great introduction to the world of Oscar Wilde.