Review of the charming ensemble comedy

Not every supernatural Christmas story has to be a spine-chiller. This year’s festive Ghosts episode is as charming and touching as ever – but with a mourning for Christmases past that only strengthens the feelgood vibes when they come.

The generosity of spirit – no pun intended – that defines the show is writ even larger than usual for tonight’s plot. Alison (Charlotte Richie) has prepared a gift room for the spectral residents of Button House to enjoy, while they in turn have come up with a way of doing something for her, a pantomime.

And who better as director than the ever-buoyant 1980s scoutmaster Pat, whose backstory provides some affecting bitter-sweet moments here. Though the quality is consistently high, some of Ghosts’ best episodes have gone back into the spectral characters’ pasts, and this is no exception. The discovery of some old home video makes him question whether his jolly attitude means everyone treats him as a joke, prompting some soul-searching. It’s quickly resolved, but meaningful.

His stepping back from the panto provides the story’s prime comic strand, as the Romantic poet Thomas abandons Pat’s light touch for overwrought melodrama.

That his, and every character’s, traits are so sharply defined – from the guileless Kitty (Lolly Adefope) to the disdainful Lady Fanny (Martha Howe-Douglas) – means jokes emanate from their personalities as much as what they are saying. That’s whether they are entirely true to form, such as Simon Farnaby’s sleazy MP Julian hoping to get a glimpse of a ‘bluey’ video, or slightly out of it, such as Ben Willbond’s Army captain being impressed by Tupperware.

The finished panto is a thing of joy, while the motley crew of ghosts are essentially a family, thrown together by circumstance rather than choice, compelled to get along. No wonder this ensemble resonates especially strongly at Christmas.

And with a sensibility that combines good-natured mocking with sentimentality, but never schmaltz, no wonder this adorable comedy has quickly become a Christmas staple. The Morecambe and Wise of today…

Review date: 25 Dec 2022
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett