Review: GHOST, King's Theatre, Glasgow

Based on the 1990 film of the same name, Ghost found life as a musical opening in the West End in 2011. A young couple Molly and Sam are walking home from an art show one evening and Sam is killed in what appears to be a mugging gone wrong. With unfinished business to attend to, Sam cannot pass over and with the help of a slightly questionable psychic, he figures out who murdered him.

The music for Ghost has been expertly crafted by Grammy winner Glen Ballard. Perhaps best known for his work with Alanis Morrissette, Ballard has created a memorable and emotive score. While many may think of "Unchained Melody" as the main track from Ghost, it is overshadowed by huge musical theatre numbers such as "Suspend My Disbelief/I Had A Life" and "Rain/Hold On."

Jacqui Dubois brings powerhouse vocals and a healthy dose of sass to the role of Oda Mae Brown who is undoubtedly an audience favourite. Andy Moss and Carolyn Maitland make for a sweet couple as the in the lead roles of Sam and Molly and manage to nail those soaring anthems.

One of the draws of the original staging of Ghost was the technology and special effects used. Scenes such as Sam's death and his general ghostly activity wasn't quite as impressive as it could have been due to a lack of effects. However, while this production is scaled back from the previous UK tour, Ghost doesn't lose any of its heart and is still an exceptional musical.

Ghost runs at the King's Theatre, Glasgow until Saturday 1st April.