I went to see Ghost Stories at the Theatre Royal in London and I can honestly say I have never jumped so much in one night. It is not just a play, it is an experience that pulls you in, makes you laugh, and then catches you completely off guard when you least expect it.

The Theatre Royal is a beautiful old building and a perfect setting for something like this. It feels grand but still intimate, with cosy tiered seating that keeps you close to the action. Before the show started, you could feel a mix of excitement and nerves in the air. People were chatting, laughing, and pretending they were not a little bit scared already. The theatre is easy to reach from the station and surrounded by pubs and restaurants, which makes it a great spot for a night out.

When the lights went down, the story began with Professor Goodman, played by Dan Tetsell, a man who has built a career out of debunking the paranormal. He is asked to investigate three strange cases, and what starts as a calm, logical talk slowly unravels into something much darker.

The set is simple but incredibly effective. Every sound, shadow, and pause is perfectly placed. At times, the silence stretches just long enough to make you realise you are holding your breath. Then a sudden noise or flicker of light makes the whole audience jump. The show relies more on suggestion than spectacle, which makes it all the more unsettling.

The cast are fantastic. Dan Tetsell gives Professor Goodman a balance of confidence and doubt that keeps you guessing, while Clive Mantle and Eddie Loodmer-Elliott bring humour and warmth to their stories. Together they create something that feels believable, which makes it even scarier.

What really makes Ghost Stories stand out is the shared experience. Everyone reacts together. You hear gasps, screams, and bursts of nervous laughter echo around the theatre. There is something brilliant about being scared with a room full of strangers and then laughing about it seconds later.

Ghost Stories is clever, tense, and surprisingly funny. It reminded me why live theatre can be so powerful. You do not just watch it; you feel it. I left the Theatre Royal grinning, still a little shaky, and already planning who I could convince to see it next.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Chris Bigland