Ghost About the House
1936. Approaching WWII, Ian, the young master, is in love with Leonard, the butler. Eddie, a handsome family friend, seduces Ian but also woos fragrant Lady Millicent. Millicent's too-young suitor Henry makes a desperate attempt to woo her.
2016. Ian has become the Ghost, haunting the lives and splitting the relationship of new owners Richard and Alex. The Ghost perceies a great likeness between Owen, Richard's Welsh pick-up, and his own long-dead love the butler. Meanwhile, the dreaded Referendum speedily approaches!
Five actors play two time-connected roles each. A sizzling comedy of ghostly interference.
See below for reviews.
Reviews for Ghost About the House
Offie Nominations - Best Supporting Actress (Sioned Jones) and Best Actor (Joshua Glenister)
“How exciting to be at the press night of a brand new play and to discover something that straight away feels like a classic! Matthew Campling brings us a delightfully deft and satisfying comedy… As the neat plot is revealed we gradually discover the connections between the ghost, the characters in the past and the characters of today… characters are distinctly drawn by Campling’s script and further enhanced by clever character work from the cast which avoid lazy stereotypes and present fully rounded characters which are all by turns attractive and flawed… This is exactly what writer Matthew Campling promised – a hilarious, sexy, haunting gay comedy!” - Sue in the Stalls
“I think to call this just a farce would be to miss some of the more subtle moments Ghost About The House has been imbued with, that being of love not only unrequited, but in the case of Ian and Leonard in 1936, one that dare not speak it’s name. That said this is clearly predominately written to be a light comedy, which is just as skilfully brought to life by director Scott Le Crass who manages to bring this fast paced comedy from page to stage in style and without ever loosing control of it.” - Jack The Lad ★★★★
“There’s a strong whiff of Blithe Spirit in this fine play… The difference is that this is a powerful tale of gay love for the 21st Century. And it’s as funny as it is moving… Playwright Matthew Campling has a Masters Degree in Psychotherapy and many years of therapeutic practice under his belt. He clearly believes that many of us are – at some level – “haunted” by the past. I’m sure he’s right. And it certainly makes an arresting subject for drama as many playwrights from The Greeks and Shakespeare to Ibsen and Noel Coward have shown. I hope his new play gets the rosy future it deserves.” - Sardines Magazine
“It’s this sort of sneaky but gentle humour that gradually turns darker before becoming tragic... Overall, an enjoyable and witty production.” - London Theatre1 ★★★★
“Director Scott Le Crass sets a cracking pace and milks the script for belly laughs... A good romp with pratfalls, parodies and loads of sight gags. The towel scene was particularly funny.” - Carns Theatre Passion
“Matthew Campling’s skill as a playwright once again shines through with Ghost About The House. The show is an utter delight from start to finish… This is a comedy of manners, love and lust, social manipulation and dalliances between people that do have consequences. Campling has created a very sophisticated comedy in the style of Coward and Wilde”. - Boyz ★★★★
“Ghost About The House has it all: it is witty, campy, moving, with a great comic timing, social critique and a touch of drama. Don’t miss it.” - London Theatre Reviews ★★★★
“Slapstick gets sexy in this time-jumping comedy at the King’s Head Theatre… if you fancy a few good laughs aimed at grown-ups this certainly fits the bill.” - West End Wilma