In the softly illuminated auditorium of Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, with a violin accompaniment, a Peregrine Falcon takes centre stage, serving as the narrator for three haunting tales set in the mystical landscapes of East Anglia. This region of the country, with its pre-Christian temples, Viking stories, and vast beaches, has inspired the likes of M.R. James, and in 2023, three gifted writers and a songwriter joined forces to craft an intimate evening of modern ghost stories in Ipswich and its surroundings. The result? A captivating sensory experience, an evening of female-centred ghost encounters: Ghost Stories by Candlelight.
A Symphony of Storytelling and Folk Melody
The performance unfolds as a symphony of storytelling, accompanied by evocative violin arrangements played like a guitar at crucial junctures. The haunting melody weaves an atmospheric embrace, guiding the audience through a region steeped in ghostly folklore.
Crafted by three talented writers and one music creator, the stories exhibit delightful diversity while seamlessly intertwining. Each tale places the spotlight firmly on women, even the ethereal spectres exuding predominantly feminine vibes. The writers’ deep connection to the local settings was visible with every line of text, infusing authenticity into every chilling monologue.
Narrated by performers Katie Cherry, Loren O’Dair and Elizabeth Crarer, the tales unfold with a subtle transformation of costumes, seamlessly transitioning between different all-white ensembles. They skilfully manipulate flickering lights and shadow puppetry, adding a nuanced layer to the storytelling experience. Cherry delivers a memorable professional stage debut, and her performance in “Run” is such a little monologue masterpiece!
Classic Storytelling with a Contemporary Twist
- “The Beach Hut” by Nicola Werenowska: A Classic Encounter Unfolds
The first story, “The Beach Hut,” crafted by Nicola Werenowska, unfolds as a classic ghost encounter tale. A mother and daughter enjoy a weekend beach getaway, with the story gradually intensifying, peppered with situational humour. The story is a bit of a slow burn, that gets more and more intense as it develops, and includes some wonderfully peppered situational humour thanks to the dynamic between a grumpy teenager and her mom. But the story’s finale was so extremely detailed in the way it described all the senses of action – I could almost feel like I was running on the beach myself. The writing here gave such an immersive feeling!
- “Sacrifice” by Shamser Sinha: Dynamic Drama in the Forest
Shamser Sinha’s “Sacrifice” presented a dynamic and dramatic piece, both in writing and staging. A mother and daughter argue in the forest, dragging unsolved issues into the conversation. The handheld flashlights added dynamism – this story felt like a sprint of emotions and flew by really quickly.
- “Run” by Kelly Jones: A Relatable and Entertaining Finale
My top pick of the night (and so relatable!) was Kelly Jones’s “Run.” It’s about young Izzie’s thoughts as she walks home alone on a dark evening. Every sound feels like a creepy stranger, and she tightly clenches a key in her fist as a weapon. Jones captured the familiar feeling of being a woman in a town with unexpected dangers after dark. I felt both terrified and angry, knowing that this feeling was still familiar to most women in the room. “Run” was also the most entertaining story, full of unexpected references, including even… Beyonce.
Candlelight’s Subdued Presence
While the title teased a more immersive use of candles, their presence felt more like a distant companion rather than a central element. Unlike other Sam Wanamaker productions, where actors masterfully manipulated wax and flames, here, torchlights and standing lights took centre stage.
The absence of an intimate, flickering glow left me longing for a more pronounced connection to the titular “Candlelight.” Sure, the classic candle chandeliers were there, but there was no special added candle touch, on top of the standard experience in this venue.
Visual Elements and Discord
In terms of stage design, certain aspects did not resonate with me—the simplicity of coloured light shades and cutout bird shapes. These visual elements seemed stark compared to the rich and elaborate monologues they accompanied, creating a slight discord in the overall experience.
A Captivating Journey into the Supernatural
In the end, Ghost Stories by Candlelight offers a captivating journey into the supernatural, guided by the enigmatic peregrine narrator and a symphony of violin strings. Though the play of light and the absence of candles left me yearning for more visual mystique, the evocative storytelling and strong performances ensured a hauntingly beautiful night in the spectral embrace of East Anglia.
Ghost Stories by Candlelight
Author(s): Kelly Jones, Shamser Sinha and Nicola Werenowska, music and songs composed by Georgia Shackleton
Company: HighTide in association with Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Harlow Playhouse and Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe / Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, London 23–25 Nov 2023
I received the ticket in exchange for an honest review
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