Southwark Playhouse (studio)
14 October 2022 (released)
16 October 2022
This October, the award-winning theatre company, Tall Stories - currently celebrating its 25th birthday, presents its gloriously ghoulish adaptation of The Canterville Ghost. A little bit spooky and a whole lot funny; this performance of Oscar Wilde’s famous novella had us laughing out loud from the get-go.
If you’re not already familiar, the story is about an American family who moves into an English mansion which is haunted by the ghost of an infamous nobleman, who killed his wife. When the Otis family move into Sir Simon’s former residence they’re warned about the fearsome phantom that haunts the Hall. However, Sir Simon Canterville is met with equal shock when he discovers that the Otis family are just as strange.
Tall Stories told the tale via a four-person ensemble - we were introduced to a comedian, a magician, a psychic and their charismatic compere, who presented the play alongside their own comic gothic horror sketches. In keeping with Tall Stories’ comedic style, the acts were unapologetically fun and wonderfully eccentric. The six-part extravaganza included a psychic reading with audience participation and a take on the Hans Moretti sword box. Katie Tranter, the psychic, jam-packed her sketch with hilarious innuendos and playful one-liners which aligned perfectly with the classic Wildean wit we all love.
The highlight for me was Matt Jopling’s ventriloquism and his charming puppet full of profanities - he had me belly laughing. All four performers were outstanding in their own way, demonstrating charisma and impeccable timing. Paying homage to music hall performers of the past, this show was a delight to observe and has something for everyone (if you can handle a few swear words).
Filled with traditional magic and thrilling trickery, this classic ghost story was told in a wonderfully lighthearted way. Tickets are priced at £24 and the show will run at Southwark Playhouse until 5th November - It’s the perfect evening out for the time of year and will have you smiling from ear to ear.
