Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre – Review of "Ghosts" at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, London

Episode Title: Ghosts (Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, London) - ★★★ REVIEW
Host: MickeyJoTheatre
Release Date: April 18, 2025

Introduction to the Adaptation

In this episode, Mickey-Jo delves into Gary Owen's fresh adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic play, "Ghosts," staged at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London. Building on his experience with Owen and director Rachel O. Riordan's previous collaboration on "Iphigenia in Splott," Mickey-Jo sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of how "Ghosts" has been modernized to reflect contemporary societal issues.

Notable Quote:
Micky Joe [00:00]:
"We're going to take this originally controversial and now deeply celebrated classic Ibsen play. We're going to modernize it. We're going to make it current, we're going to make it topical, we're going to make it sexy."

Overview of the Original "Ghosts"

Mickey-Jo provides a concise summary of Ibsen's "Ghosts," highlighting its themes of inherited guilt and the haunting presence of past sins. The original play centers around Mrs. Alving, who builds an orphanage in memory of her late, immoral husband, confronting the repercussions of his actions on her family.

Notable Quote:
Micky Joe [00:04]:
"The prevailing theme of which is the inability to escape the ghosts of the past."

Gary Owen's Modern Adaptation

Owen's version retains the core themes of legacy and familial curses but transposes them into a modern setting. The adaptation shifts the narrative focus towards issues like incest, consent, and the impact of cancel culture, making the story resonate with 2025 audiences.

Key Changes Highlighted:

• Character Reinterpretation:

  • Robert (originally a man of the Lord): Now an anti-religious lawyer.
  • Oz (originally Oswald): An out-of-work actor grappling with his identity and familial revelations.
  • Reggie: Revealed to be Oz's half-sister, introducing the incestuous relationship theme.

• Thematic Shifts:

  • From ruin and societal reputation to cancel culture and the modern healthcare debate.
  • Emphasis on consent and the complexities of abusive relationships.

Notable Quote:
Micky Joe [00:10]:
"It feels like Ibsen by way of Jerry Springer, which is hysterical. And Ibsen definitely wasn't getting this many laughs."

Themes and Modern Relevance

The adaptation explores heavy themes through a contemporary lens:

• Incest and Consent:
  The relationship between Oz and Reggie brings incest and consent into sharp focus, reflecting modern discussions around sexual ethics and power dynamics.

• Cancel Culture:
  The fear of societal backlash mirrors today's concerns about cancel culture, especially in the context of legacy and reputational damage.

• Mental Health:
  Oz's deteriorating mental health serves as the modern equivalent of syphilis in the original, highlighting contemporary awareness of mental health issues.

Notable Quote:
Micky Joe [00:15]:
"The idea of negative mental health being the syphilis of 2025 is something that I think is actually quite brilliant."

Critical Evaluation of the Adaptation

Mickey-Jo offers a balanced critique, acknowledging both the strengths and shortcomings of Owen's take on "Ghosts."

Strengths:

• Bold Modernization:
  The infusion of current societal issues makes the play a conversation starter, aligning with modern audience sensibilities.

• Humorous Elements:
  The adaptation successfully blends humor with drama, making intense themes more accessible.

• Powerful Performances:
  Standout performances, particularly by Callum Scott Howells as Oz, bring depth and dynamism to the characters.

Weaknesses:

• Dialogue Clumsiness:
  Some exchanges feel forced, with characters suddenly unveiling deep-seated resentments without prior buildup.

• Deviation from Original Themes:
  While modernizing, the adaptation strays from some of Ibsen's core themes, potentially diluting the original's impact.

• Lack of Political Discourse:
  Despite addressing societal issues, the play misses opportunities to delve deeper into topics like climate crisis and class disparity.

Notable Quote:
Micky Joe [00:25]:
"I think it's a little bit of a bizarre decision for us to focus where we do. To be talking about sins of the father and the inherited world and to just have so much conversation around incest and sexual polit the same time."

Performance and Production Design

Victoria Murphy as Helena:
Initially perceived as provocative, Murphy's portrayal evolves to reveal layers of vulnerability and strength, particularly in scenes addressing her abusive past.

Callum Scott Howells as Oz:
His dynamic and flamboyant performance stands out, capturing Oz's complex emotional journey from exuberance to profound despair.

Patricia Allison as Reggie & Dica Walmsley as Jacob:
While Reggie's character is engaging, Jacob's sudden shift to anger lacks depth, making certain interactions feel unearned.

Rashan Stone as Robert Anderson:
Stone brings an intriguing oddity to the role, navigating the character's morally ambiguous actions with finesse.

Set Design by Merle Hensel:
The set features dual walls and a sheer back wall with dynamic lighting, symbolizing the persistence of past secrets. The visual metaphor of "smoke" representing historical lies dissipating adds a layer of symbolism to the production.

Notable Quote:
Micky Joe [00:45]:
"When Callum Scott Howells as Oz... has this flamboyant exuberance that pairs very well with the kind of dysfunctional privilege of his character."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mickey-Jo concludes that Gary Owen's adaptation of "Ghosts" is a brave and provocative rendition that successfully modernizes the narrative, making it relevant for today's audiences. However, he suggests that the adaptation may benefit from distancing itself further from the original to fully explore its contemporary themes without being tethered by Ibsen's legacy.

Overall Rating: ★★★
Recommendation:
A must-watch for those interested in modern theatre adaptations that tackle challenging societal issues with a blend of humor and drama.

Notable Quote:
Micky Joe [00:55]:
"It's a really exciting piece of theater. It's bold, I think, it's provocative. I think it's certainly a conversation starter."

Engage with Mickey-Jo:
Mickey-Jo invites listeners who have seen "Ghosts" at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre to share their thoughts in the comments section. He also promotes his upcoming live show, "Mickey Jo Theatre Live," featuring interviews with guest actors and creatives.

Final Note:
Mickey-Jo emphasizes the importance of modernizing classic plays to keep them relevant, suggesting that while this adaptation has its flaws, it successfully ignites important conversations about contemporary societal issues.

This summary captures the essence of MickeyJoTheatre's review of "Ghosts," providing an insightful overview for those who haven't had the chance to listen to the full episode.