The Psychic - A Northern Theatre Review

I do love a trip to York Theatre Royal, it’s a great venue, the staff are lovely, and I’ve seen some great shows here… and tonight we have a brand new show from Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, the writers of Ghost Stories!

When I collected my tickets and programme, I found this note attached.

Now, if you are familiar with Ghost Stories or shows like 2:22 then you’ll know that the twists, turns, and revelations are half the fun - or trying to figure them out is!

So I will do as asked and be careful in my review to make it spoiler-free and not spoil the surprises for those still to see the show.

Least I can do!

The show opens with Sheila Gold’s show, and as the audience, we are brought into the act as if we were really attending a psychic show, replete with Sheila contacting the dead for members of the audience.

It’s a strong opening, clever and well-staged and it’s our introduction to Sheila Gold, played superbly by Eileen Walsh, and the world of spirits, spooks, and seances she inhabits.

Eileen Walsh
The Psychic © Manuel Harlan

We are also quickly introduced to the world that Sheila comes from, the travelling fairgrounds and the Showman community that is her ancestry.

It’s a great idea as it is a subculture I’m not familiar with, and I don’t think many of the audience were either. The show weaves the patois of the Showman world into the script, and helpfully there’s a page in the programme that explains what the terms used actually mean - love that.

Eileen Walsh
The Psychic © Manuel Harlan

There’s familial intrigue, grifting, money, grief and a whole lot of surprises going on - which I obviously won’t go into - all delivered by an excellent cast. In addition to the previously mentioned Walsh, Megan Placito, who plays Tara and Frances Barber as Rosa are real standouts!

The staging, lighting, and sound design are all great too, really integral to building the story's atmosphere and enhancing the narrative flow. The staging for the final act in particular, is incredible!

Eileen Walsh & Megan Placito.
The Psychic © Manuel Harlan

Which brings me on to my two minor niggles with the show.

First is the marketing, which understandably leans into the Ghost Stories connection and the supernatural thrills. For me, though, this felt less like a full-on scare-fest and more like a rich drama with comedic elements, a few jumpy moments and a darker emotional thread running through it.

Second, the second act features a tonal shift and a denouement that feel a little at odds with the first act. This may be a conscious choice, but for me it didn’t land entirely.

As I said, minor niggles and the show is still a cracking watch.

Finally, a shout-out to York Theatre Royal, who really pushed the boat out for the event tonight, with great hospitality, a few familiar faces in attendance and a real sense that this was a proper premiere!

Cast

  • Eileen Walsh as Sheila Gold

  • Frances Barber as Rosa

  • Megan Placito as Tara

  • Dave Hearn as Robert Hamm

  • Jaz Singh Deol as Deepak

  • Nikhita Lesler as Nisha

  • Charlie Blanshard as Mark

Creative / Crew

  • Written and Directed by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman

  • Set and Costume Designer: Rae Smith

  • Lighting Designer: Zoe Spurr

  • Sound Designer: Nick Manning

  • Illusions Designer: Chris Fisher

  • Video Designer: Duncan Mclean

  • Casting Director: Arthur Carrington CDG

  • Associate Director: Andy Room

  • Design Assistant: Will Fricker