Dare You Watch? Ghost Stories arrives at Milton Keynes Theatre

What we can say is that the production begins with a lecture from Professor Goodman (Dan Tetsell) on the paranormal. From the outset, Tetsell has the audience in the palm of his hand, challenging perceptions and making us question our own experiences—are we mere observers, or are we percipients? As we are guided through three chilling 'ghost stories,' by Tetsell this question lingers in the air, heightening the suspense.

Each story is retold by a man who believes he has encountered the supernatural. David Cardy plays Tony Matthews, a night watchman; Eddie Loodmer-Elliott is Simon Rifkind, a 19-year-old returning from a party; and Clive Mantle is Mike Priddle, a businessman and expectant father. Without giving too much away, we can say that each performer was outstanding in their own right, drawing us into their eerie tales with masterful storytelling.

The staging and effects deserve a special mention—the transitions between stories are seamless and incredibly inventive, creating an immersive experience that keeps audiences on edge. This production is not for the faint-hearted. From start to finish, we were clinging to each other, watching much of the play through our fingers. The tension is relentless, the scares come thick and fast, and with no interval, there is little reprieve.

However, amidst the spine-chilling moments, there are also bursts of humour—welcome moments of comic relief that offer brief respite from the terror. But don’t be fooled into a false sense of security; the next scare is always lurking just around the corner.

Ghost Stories is a masterclass in psychological horror, and if you’re brave enough to face it, you’re in for a theatrical experience like no other. Just remember—keep the secrets.