Ghosts is a play published in 1881 by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. But the one at the Lyric Theatre is not the dusty old version, though – writer Gary Owen and director Rachel O'Riordan have made it feel brand new, setting it right here in our time. And wow, does it pack a punch!
The story is about a mum named Helena. Her husband died, and she's trying really hard to make sure everyone remembers him as a great guy. She's even helped fund a new children's hospital in his name. But when her son, Oz, comes home for the big opening, things start to unravel. Oz has his own plans, and soon, big family secrets – the kind that have been hidden for years – start bubbling up. It's all about how the past never really leaves us and how keeping secrets can cause a lot of pain.
What's surprising about this play is that even though it deals with really serious stuff – like bad relationships, lies, inherited problems, and mental health struggles – it's also quite funny.Don't expect big belly laughs, but there are moments of dark humour that break the tension. The writers use jokes to talk about things that are hard to discuss, which feels very clever.
The stage looks quite simple and modern, maybe a bit bare, which helps you focus completely on the characters and what they're going through. The direction by Rachel O'Riordan makes everything feel very intense and important.
Victoria Smurfit plays Helena, the mum who's trying to keep everything together. She does an excellent job, showing Helena's strength but also her fear and stress. Callum Scott Howells plays the son, Oz. He is funny, full of energy, but also able to show Oz's deep troubles. Patricia Allison as Reggie and Rhashan Stone as the family lawyer, are also brilliant.
So, should you see it? If you like plays that make you think and feel deeply, then yes. It's intense and deals with difficult topics, but the acting is incredible, and the modern story feels very relevant. It shows how an old play can still teach us a lot about families and secrets today. It’s powerful theatre, and definitely worth seeing.
It runs until 10 May.
Photos: Helen Murray