Ghost Stories, The Duke of York Theatre

Probably the most terrified I have ever been in the theatre this production certainly had every member of the audience on the edge of their seat, me including. From screaming out loud, to jaw dropping shock - everyone reacted to this truly scary set of stories.

The story had an extremely original set up, with the whole theatre being converted into an almost Thorpe Park-like atmosphere, with yellow and black tape across the walls, flickering lights, eerie noises and numbers scratched on the walls. Then in contrast to this the show opened and we were addressed in rather a university lecture type manner. Luring the audience into a false sense of security, even though most of us were built up on the hype of this show and were drinking up all the information, presented as facts to us.

The Professor character played an extraordinary part, mimicking the annoying plainness of David Brent and the intensity of Derren Brown. It was also interesting to see that the actor playing this part works often with Derren Brown with the creations of his shows and also co-wrote this production.

It is hard to go into any detail about this production because I do not want to give it away for people. I would not suggest this is one for you to be deeply moved by, but the thoughts certainly linger and you may have to sleep with the light on. I must however highlight the fact of the pure creativity and extraordinary terror created on stage. It is definitely the show to see if you like being frightened.

The combinations of haunted houses, theme park rides and horror movies all combined seem to encapsulate the thoughts of this production. My pulse definitely raced and I was genuinely scared.

I will perhaps indicate that the three stories are quite regular set ups of typical horror films and revolve around children, babies and a broken down car - all of which can be related to the average horror. But must again stress at the fear created within the auditorium, any suggestion of something remotely unnerving happen; we would all jump back in horror.

Trying not to give the huge twist away at the end I will hint that the seemingly detached professor is then brought into the main crux of the stories and all the clues link up and tie all the plots together in a truly dramatic and on-the-edge-of-your-seat type way.

Some of the illusions included within the production I am still sat wondering how they were ever done. I also enjoyed the slick movement of the trucks on stage, which helped to seamlessly move the plot along as the tension increased.

Credit must go to the four main actors for their monologue style deliveries, and their abilities, with the help of some extra special effects, to have the audience in the palm of their hands.