BWW Interviews: Talking GHOST STORIES with Jason Blicker

Ghost Stories is a new kind of theatre experience for Toronto, a show that promises to entertain and scare while also providing a genuine night out at the theatre. Nominated for a Best Entertainment Olivier Award in the UK, the 80 minute production has broken box office records on its opening at Liverpool Playhouse and the Lyric Hammersmith. Now playing on the West End, the show is making its North American Premiere in Toronto this month with its gala opening night on April 12th.

Ghost Stories was conceived by the dark minds of The League of Gentlemen's Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman (co-creator and director of Derren Brown's television and stage shows and star of Dead Set and Severance). BWW is speaking to each of the actors involved in creating the terrifying stories that play out each night at The Panasonic. Tonight we are talking to Jason Blicker, who plays Professor Philip Goodman:

Congratulations on your official opening night! How has the crowd reaction in Toronto been so far?

Thank you! People have been enjoying the show - the audiences have been great.

Creators Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson came over from the UK for the opening, was it at all nerve-wracking performing with them in the audience?

The atmosphere was electric and it was a lot of fun with Andy, his two fantastic kids, Jeremy & 700 people in the theatre...

The show has been tweaked for a Canadian audience, with added Canadian references that certainly garner some laughs in between tense moments. Did you (as an actor) have any input in what types of references went into the production?

Maybe just a word or two, before beginning the rehearsal process with the amazing Sean Holmes.

There has been a lot of talk that "the first rule of Ghost Stories is that you don't talk about Ghost Stories" What do you think is special about this show that keeps everyone so quiet and the secrets from being spoiled?

Perhaps when someone enjoys something, they want other people to have a good experience too - it's all part of the mystery and fun of it!

Since the show started previews in Toronto, have you had any audience members get really scared? Any panic attacks or incessant tears?

There have been terrific screams, big laughs...I personally know a couple of people who 'watched' the play through their hands...

The show focuses on the paranormal and the stories that have been told over the years - do you have a favourite Ghost Story of your own? Either something you encountered personally, or maybe a tale from your childhood that stuck with you over the years?

Have you heard the tale of 'Peter Chopsy'?...actually, it happened not too far from here....

Finally, for those people who are possibly a little too scared to come and see the show, what would you say to encourage them to be brave enough to get tickets?

The show is scary, but it's also moving, and a lot of fun! There's nothing to be scared of - after all, it's only a show...or is it...?

When and Where?
Ghost Stories
The Panasonic Theatre

Now on Stage!
Performance Schedule:

Tue 7:30pm; Wed 1:30 & 7:30pm
Thu / Fri 7:30pm
Sat 5 & 8:30pm
Sun 3pm & 7pm

Show is 80 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.mirvish.com/ghoststories or at www.ghoststoriestoronto.com and by phone at 416-872-1212

$25 Lottery "Scream Seats"

18 seats are available each day for all performances, at $25 each (cash only) by lottery. Patrons can enter the lottery two hours prior to each performance, with a limit of one entry per person. The draw will begin 1 ½ hours prior to showtime. Photo ID is required.

Please note Ghost Stories does have a warning of being appropriate for ages 14+, and those with a nervous disposition are cautioned.

 

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