Review: Haunt, Pray, Love at The Wardrobe Theatre

Thoroughly enjoyable piece of theatre at the Old Market venue this week

“Well I thoroughly enjoyed that,” a member of the audience said following the opening night performance of Haunt, Pray, Love at The Wardrobe Theatre.

It perfectly sums up Eat The Wolf’s production, now developed into its third iteration. It is thoroughly enjoyable.

Heaven is full, leading to ghost overcrowing on earth.

The rather brusque Gayle has haunted an office for so long she cannot remember her original name. When Claire arrives, Gayle’s quiet mundane office, inhabited by the living though slightly dull Mark, upsets the apple cart. They’re like chalk and cheese.

Claire is loud, probably sings and finds her newly departed status difficult and emotional. There are people alive who need her help and she needs to get back.

Gayle found life overwhelming and difficult. She’s found solace in the quiet, repetitive and predicable situation she finds herself in.

Stuck together in a purgatory, or temporary accommodation, the pair ultimately go on to form a friendship when they realise they work better together.

It’s a warm and humorous piece of writing, ultimately exploring relationships between people and not wasting second chances. Come the end, it’s really very moving.

One of the delights of this show is a live onstage Ghost Band. It’s like a musical theatre Greek Chorus.

There’s also haunting animations from Umbra Penumbra.

No time is wasted from start to finish. It’s one of those shows that starts when the auditorium doors open. The Ghost Band is playing. Mark is drearily tapping his way through an office job. Gayle wanders around taking in another day of safety and predictability.

The story is really well written, balancing humour, drama and poignancy – before making us laugh one last time.

With so much brilliant fringe theatre to check out in Bristol, this is definitely one to watch. It really is a unique and quirky little gem each time it pops up.

Haunt, Pray, Love is at The Wardrobe Theatre until 25 September 2025

For more information or to book, visit: https://thewardrobetheatre.com/shows/haunt-pray-love/

For more information about Eat The Wolf Theatre: https://www.instagram.com/eatthewolftheatre/

Cast and Creatives
Gayle – Amy Smith
Claire – Rebecca Maule
Mark – Joe Eaton
Ghost Pianist – Jack Orozco-Morrison
Ghost Singer – Mia Borthwick
Ghost Guitarist – Solo Candy
Animation – Umbra Penumbra
Dramaturg – Joe Topping
Music and Lyrics – Chloe May Thurlow
Production – Eat The Wolf

Featured Image: Eat The Wolf previous production

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