BWW Interviews: Talking with David Reale, the Youngest Member of GHOST STORIES

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. Today we are speaking with the youngest cast member, David Reale, about his experience with the show and the scariest "ghost story" from his childhood:

 

Congratulations on Ghost Stories! How has the crowd reaction in Toronto been so far?

This is the sort of show where the audience is like another cast member. Their reaction is so crucial to the whole thing feeling complete.

It's almost like a comedy in that way. Although, there is a lot more screaming than laughing.... I love when I hear somebody whimper "oh no"...that's when I know we have them. In short, the crowd reaction has been the best part of doing this show.

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?

Not at all. I mean there was the knowledge that this is their baby and I hope they are proud of its new incarnation....but mostly, they are just so wonderful and supportive that I didn't feel too intimidated by their immense talent.

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?

The international adaption of the script had certain its highlighted with a note - something along the lines of "This part here is uber-British so you might want to transpose it into something more suitable for your region." Then our director, Sean Holmes, basically said "change what you like and we'll talk it over." So yeah, we got to throw in some of our ideas which is really fun. However, this was not just to get laughs via local colour. It had more to do with making this show utterly contemporary and relevant. Most "theatre horror" is old Victorian fare - but ghost stories are still around. Just ask around. I'm sure everybody knows somebody who knows somebody...

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?

First of all we ask politely that people keep the secrets. It's sort of like that old gag with the peanut can that is full of springy worms. A person opens the can and is freaked when the worms fly out. They don't then say to the next person "here, open this fake can of peanuts and be surprised by the worms inside..." They understand the nature of the joke and they want people to have the same experience they had.

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

I love to ask the ushers if anything like that has happened. And apparently it has. From the stage I'm not really privy to those sorts of things. Sometimes I'll catch a glimpse of some poor soul with their head literally buried under their jacket - and I always find that odd since they paid good money to see the show. Also, there's a strange phenomenon that seems to happen from time to time. I will hear somebody scream and I'm certain that nothing intentionally scary is happening at that moment in the play. I think some audience members are starting to freak each other out!

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?

My parents maintain that when they first moved into the house that I grew up in they heard noises from the basement. My mother heard them first, said it sounded like a gathering of some sort, clinking glasses and laughter in the distance. Then one night there was a light knocking on their bedroom door. My Mom checked on my sister and I but we were both fast asleep. Frightened, she told my father who said that he had been hearing the exact same noises. This is the best part of the story that always freaks me out - my parents are now divorced and never agreed on anything - but they both swear they heard these noises. My mother called a priest to bless the house and the late night gatherings ceased.

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?

I would probably say something like" "Aw c'mon, is the poor little baby afraid to see the big bad show? That's ok, you scardy cat baby, you can stay at home and suck your thumb" Then I would push them and call them "chicken" or double dog dare them to come and see the show!

When and Where?
Ghost Stories
The Panasonic Theatre

Performance Schedule:

Final Extension through May 29th

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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