Ghosts at the Lyric Hammersmith

Gary Owen’s modern rendition of the classic Henrik Ibsen play Ghosts is a poignant expression of the turmoil and angst that surround familial and romantic relationships. Set in present-day Cardiff, under the direction of Rachel O’Riordan, the play explores the consequences of buried secrets and the lead up to their dramatic reveal. Ibsen’s audacious drama historically confronted taboos and heavy themes of amorality, incest and hypocrisy that once appalled a 19^th century audience, yet these uncomfortable realities remain ever-present, making it relatable to a 2025 audience with its unfiltered comedic lines and facetiousness. The burning questions that linger with the audience are: Are we defined by our past? Is the suppression of the truth, protective or ultimately destructive?

The cast deliver highly commendable performances that successfully portray the emotional depth and complexities of the characters. Victoria Smurfit as Helena is a particularly troubled soul as a victim of abuse. Her performance exemplifies the plight and the cataclysmic effects of female issues, including motherhood, sexual consent and post-natal depression. The character of Oz, portrayed by Callum Scott Howells is notoriously multi-faceted, as he brings unbridled humour and light-hearted playfulness to the generally serious tone of the play. His morals are both intact but wavering at the same time. Although, deeply wounded by the secrets his mother has kept from him, Oz’s sensibility is palpable. Deka Walmsley portrays Jacob, a character reimagined from Ibsen’s original. Walmsley’s performance is one of the more grounded and authentic in the production acting as a stabilising force amidst the play’s erratic tonal shifts.

Gradually unpeeling like an onion, there is never a dull moment in Ghosts and never time to be neutral or comfortable. The narrative in combination with the smoke and music by Simon Slater evokes suspense and an uneasy intrigue throughout. It unfolds with climactic and anti-climactic crescendos alongside diminuendos that are sporadic yet engaging. This contemporary reimagining is a daring take on vital issues that still prevail in the modern world.

Nina Doroushi
Photo: Helen Murray

Ghosts is at the Lyric Hammersmith from 10^th until 10^th April 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.