Victorian London, The Ghost Club, stage filled with flickering lanterns. The spooky scene is set to give us a chilling tale of ghosts who haunt a boarding house: two children who are afraid of the dark. And why would a ghost be afraid of the dark they ask us? It’s an intriguing premise that makes us lean in and listen, and the eerie setting is certainly conjured. The five players certainly make an impact, as the story unfolds in front of us.

This is a production that relies on atmosphere and style and the actors are fine story tellers. We feel drawn into Victorian parlours through their commitment to the tale. However, some of the plot points don’t quite land and lead to further questions, taking us out of the moment. The two different story strands that come together would benefit from clearer demarcation between them at the start, especially as one seems to precede the main events we are witness to.

There is a little confusion with Mr Henning’s story: is he a willing participant or a terrified man being manipulated, as both are shown and could do with clearer linkage if one exists. Mrs Sands decision to leave alone her gruesome discovery, lock the door and walk away does not seem in keeping with her character. Beyond the references to the sandman, it’s unclear why or what the eye references are about; also the instant change of character in Mr Sands is hard to fathom as there were no clues and certainly no travel. And the most problematic issue is a ghost being stopped by a locked door.

It’s certainly stylish, and the story has a great deal of potential. Inspiration from the stories of M D James is clear to see, and it also reminds of Ingmar Bergman’s Fanny and Alexander. However, the only lights are the flickering Victorian style lanterns, which certainly creates atmosphere, although an hour of constant flickering with no other supporting light certainly can cause headaches as we strain to see. Style and ambience certainly carries the story, Victorian dressed actors holding their characters so well. Bizz Portlock particularly impresses as Mia Sands, with great presence. Overall an interesting piece of theatre with potential.

Lantern Theatre, 10 May 2026
Photo credit: Paul Simons