Ghost Quartet is a show with a plot that isn’t necessary, or even possible, to follow.

The obscure work of art weaves four separate stories, from four different people, across seven centuries. Written and composed by David Malloy (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812), the story takes inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher, Arabian Nights, The Twilight Zone and a contemporary fable about a New York subway murder.

Once you let go of the puzzling narrative and focus on the music, as intended, the journey is intoxicating.

The cast of Ghost Quartet are talented singer-musicians. Featuring Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward (My Brilliant Career, Little Women), David Butler (Love That For You), Hany Lee (Hamilton), and Willow Sizer (Guys and Dolls). Each of the quartet are incredible artists singing solo, duets and harmony together. They all play a variety of instruments including: drums, piano, tambourine, bass, cello, xylophone, flute, castanets, sitar and more.

The haunting melancholy score spans many musical styles and cultural influences. At one point, Sizer’s vocals were manipulated to sound ‘aged’, like they were coming through an old record player. It felt like there were lessons hidden in the music, but then the next moment there would be a song about cats, birds and French toast. There were many parts and tracks to the performance and then times when the quartet were just four friends drinking and playing music together, singing about love, death and whiskey.

Credit must go to brave creative Lighting Designer Sidney Younger. Not only did Younger use subtle lighting through adding to the atmospheric mood, but never have I attended a show that for a solid ten minutes the audience is plunged into complete darkness. Confronting and disconcerting at first. It certainly added to the moody effect. On the night we attended, there was a thunderous storm raging. Listening to the haunting music in complete blackness, with the sounds of the storm in the background, was an extraordinary experience.

Held in the Hayes Theatre, Ghost Quartet is performed almost theatre-in-the-round style, with the audience seated in a broken circle around the performers, adding to the intimacy of the performance. The stage design by Jodi Hope is as eclectic as the music, with whiskey bottles, old clocks and cameras scattered across the set.

This is a show that will challenge you musically. It won’t be to everyone’s taste but lovers of music are highly recommended to experience this unusual show.

Directed by Brandon Pape and presented by Antipodes Theatre Company in association with Hayes Theatre Co.

4 stars.

Running for 90 minutes, no interval.

Ghost Quartet is playing at Hayes Theatre, until 1 February 2025.

For tickets visit Hayes Theatre