Review: Even More Ghost Stories By Candlelight

The horror anthology haunts the Weston Studio of Bristol Old Vic this week

Four clever ghost stories performed by two actors brought a genuine chill to the Weston Studio with Even More Ghost Stories By Candlight.

The show is a co-production between Hightide and Pentabus in association with Harlow Playhouse.

It’s brought together four writers Florence Espeut-Nickless, Simon Longman, Anne Odeke and Rosa Torr. Each writer has created their own spin on the Victorian ghost story. The four are connected together with an overarching imagery of a white horse and occasional mention of discount store B&M.

The stories create a really creepy show, utilising all the ingredients of good horror. At the foundation was excellent storytelling performed by two versatile actors Sarita Gabony and Keaton Guimarães-Tolley.

It’s so easy to overdo horror on stage and not all of those who attempt it succeed – even with a huge budget. With a well written story, less is usually more. In the case of Even More Ghost Stories By Candlelight, less was definitely more and this made for a cracking piece of theatre.

Enhancing this experience was brilliant sound design by Anna Short, suitably menacing, hitting the jumpscares and really, well simply creeping people out. This was particularly so in Cold Oak Lane, which felt like a constant whispering in your ear as the tension built.

It would be a sad thing indeed to give away any spoilers because this show is definitely worth watching if you can get a ticket. An additional performance has had to be added to keep up with audience demand.

The locations included a school trip to an ancient White Horse. A country cottage and walk to a local pub. An influencer on an island filming abandoned building content. A person carrying out the night shift at a storage facility.

What was good about the show overall is that even though the stories build on the foundations of ghost stories and the horror genre, the narratives threw curveballs as they went. The stories were gripping, edge of the seat stuff, without the disappointing realisation of knowing what’s coming next.

Florence Espeut-Nickless’ story was both funny, mysterious and quite dark. She has such a talent for creating relatable, usually working class characters, with her smart writing and astute character and cultural observations.

Simon Longman went for the slow burn, ramping the tension up with a conclusion that had the audience wincing.

Anne Odeke’s merged influencer humour with horror. Lighting design by Jonathan Chan brought a rumbling sense of movie action to the timeslip terror.

Rosa Torr went with a cautionary tale about poking about in something that one has been told to leave alone. It’s very much a modern fairy tale with the addition of a curse.

Even More Ghost Stories by Candlelight was a delightful dip into a supernatural horror on stage that won’t disappoint horror aficionados and will leave all audiences thoroughly entertained on these chilly autumn nights.

Even More Ghost Stories by Candlelight is at The Weston Studio of Bristol Old Vic until 25 October 2025

For more information or to book, visit: https://bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/ghost-stories-by-candlelight

Cast and Creatives
Stories and Writers in Order – Florence Espeut-Nickless
Cold Oak Lane – Simon Longman
The Takeover – Anne Odeke
Consequences of Diving Lots – Rosa Torr

Actors – Sarita Gabony and Keaton Guimarães-Tolley

Director – Elle While
Set and Costume Design – Lu Herbert
Sound Design – Anna Short
Lighting Design – Jonathan Chan
Illusion Design – John Bulleid
Dramaturgy – Titilola Dawudu and Clare Slater
Production Manager – Thomas J Quine
Associate Production Manager – Charlotte Ranson
Stage Manager – Jodie Jasmin Hicks
Fight Director – Rachel Bown-Williams of RC Annie
Associate Sound Designer – Danielle Small
Production LX – William Gibbs
Accent Coach – Mary Howland

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