Ghost Stories at Peacock Theatre

3^rd October 2025

Selina Begum

Selina Begum

3 October 2025

Ghost Stories
Selina Begum ★★★★★
Dates	7 October -
	8 November 2025
Price	From £18

Writers Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman revive their horror production Ghost Stories, which was first conceived 15 years ago, has since been turned into a film and staged in Russia, China and Peru. 

Persistent thrumming permeates the hall, a familiar uneasy sound featured in many horror films, while the audience is thrown into pitch darkness, followed by bloodcurdling screams. Professor Goodman (Jonathan Guy Lewis) is at the podium, giving a series of lectures throughout, debunking paranormal theories. He enquires what made people come to the play, while providing historical context on the supernatural, stating that “their appeal, like their subject matter, refuses to die”. Continuing the audience interaction, he asks the crowd to raise their hands if they believe in ghosts, and if anyone has had supernatural experiences that they can’t quite logically explain. 

The first of the ghost stories comes from Tony Matthews (David Cardy), a nightwatchman in a building that was used as a shelter during the Second World War. A no-nonsense guy, he’s bored but still has his wits about, and is frustrated by the new recruit. Tony has a daughter in hospital, whom he hasn’t visited for several years, and the events that take place may be connected to his guilt. In one scene during the watchman’s story, Tony is filled with boredom and starts to watch porn, which the audience can hear graphically for an unreasonably long time; this should have been kept to a minimum, as not only is it highly uncomfortable to sit through, but it was also overly graphic and unsuitable for the large number of children in the audience. 

Arguably, the best of the three stories comes from Simon Rifkind (Preston Nyman), who is driving back from a party when he crashes into something…or someone. As he frantically tries to get his car to start, while calling his parents, the atmosphere intensifies with the mist; credit to set and costume designer Jon Bausor. 

The final regale comes from property man Mike Priddle (Clive Mantle), who is expecting a child with his wife. While relaying his story, his phone keeps pinging, demonstrating an overly busy schedule. During these closing scenes are the moments that the writers have requested critics keep to themselves.

With each story, the Professor’s lack of belief in the paranormal shifts. As for the horrifying nature of the show that Dyson and Nyman attempt to create, there is potential, but the play is too reliant on very loud recorded screeches and jump scares. Furthermore, the unoriginal ending – without giving away too much – decreases the value of the production, and there are definitely instances where scenes become increasingly farcical to the point that more laughter, rather than the intended horror, is induced.

Selina Begum
Photos: Hugo Glendinning

Ghost Stories is at Peacock Theatre from 7^th October until 8^th November 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.