In a world where everything moves fast, flashes brightly, and fights for our attention, Even More Ghost Stories by Candlelight reminds us of something fundamental: the simple, timeless power of storytelling. This production strips away the bells and whistles to deliver what theatre has always done best—telling stories that grip us, move us, and stay with us long after the lights come up.
The show presents four different stories, each completely unique in style and tone. The White Horse by Florence Espeut-Nickless, Cold Oak Lane by Simon Longman, The Takeover by Anne Odeke, and The Consequence of Diving Lots by Rosa Torr are performed as monologues, with actors Keaton Guimarães-Tolley and Sarita Gabony taking turns to bring these chilling tales to life. While each story stands on its own, they're cleverly linked by a mysterious white horse that appears in different forms throughout the evening—a subtle thread that ties the whole experience together.
Both performers deliver outstanding work. Guimarães-Tolley and Gabony use powerful facial expressions and physical movement to tell their stories, making each character feel real and immediate. Their ability to switch between different personalities, moods, and emotions keeps you completely engaged. Whether it's the comedy that makes you laugh before the horror creeps in, or the quiet tension that builds until you're holding your breath, both actors know exactly how to draw you into each world they create.
The staging by Lu Herbert and lighting by Jonathan Chan work together brilliantly to build an atmosphere that genuinely unsettles. The production uses darkness, sudden bursts of light, and carefully placed moments of silence to keep the audience on edge. The setting feels immersive—you're not just watching these stories unfold, you feel like you're part of them. The technical elements don't just support the storytelling; they become an essential part of it.
What makes this production special is how it celebrates the art of storytelling itself. In an age of constant digital stimulation, there's something refreshing about sitting in a darkened room and being transported by nothing more than words and performance. It's the same way stories have been told for centuries, and this show proves that this ancient form still has incredible power.
That said, not all four stories hit the same mark. While some are genuinely gripping and unsettling, others don't quite reach the same heights. The Consequence of Diving Lots, the final story of the evening, feels a bit confused in its storytelling. The narrative becomes unclear and harder to follow, which means the show doesn't end on quite the strong note it deserves after building such excellent atmosphere earlier on.
Despite this unevenness, Even More Ghost Stories by Candlelight is a reminder that sometimes the simplest approach is the most effective. It shows us that theatre doesn't need to compete with screens and spectacle—it just needs good stories, told well. And on that front, this production delivers an engaging evening that celebrates the enduring power of storytelling, even if not every tale reaches its full potential.
Photos: Ali Wright