Ghost Quartet
The Hayes Theatre foyer had a particular buzz this Friday evening, as theatre goers, creatives and artists greet each other and cling onto the wish of Happy New Year to those they haven’t seen since 2024 closed with a bang.
Could it be the anticipation of the show Ghost Quartet? The buzz on the ‘gram from the previews and perhaps those who have seen the show in their previous seasons in Melbourne- states that we are in for an incredible show. Antipodes Theatre Company’s Ghost Quartet Sydney Debut at Hayes Theatre has created a stir, and it’s Opening Night. A great way to start what looks like a fantastic season of shows for Hayes Theatre Company.
The cocktail served at the bar was a smoky spectacular, that gave patrons a taste of what was to come. “Are you sitting on the stage?!” A friend of mine asked with excitement. It became apparent that some tickets were indeed on the stage, with Hayes transforming into a traverse design, which with the set- felt very warm and with a sense of community.
The set design by Jodi Hope was a series of Persian rugs, frilly tablecloths, knick knacks, photography instruments, flowers, jars, suitcases and trinkets. It felt like a treasure trove or the insides of a quirky old shop. Within each corner, 4 performers with are set up with a series of instruments at their stations. It’s clear this show is going to be very collaborative, and that the cast have a myriad of skills.
The cast address the audience directly, they are engaging and intelligent, each with a witty quip they throw in here and there which is clearly unscripted. What a delight.
When the show starts, it really flies- and references, characters and storylines do tend to blur in through the music and sound. The pace of the show is fantastic, however as an audience member there can be a delay in understanding where we are with any story- I think that’s the point. This show is not narrative, but a series of ghost stories- hauntingly crafted together with absolute music genius.
The show is broken into Tracks. “Side 1, Track 3” a cast member announces each chapter, before each song and we are taken along the journey.
Highlights of the show were the incredible vocals of each of the performers. They seemed to slot together like a glove and each of their different vocal timbres washed over you like an eerie wave, that made the hair on the back of your neck stand on end- or was that a ghost in the room?
What David Butler has done with the show musically is spectacular. He often sits behind the jaunty upright piano, however when he does pop out it’s with full gusto and energy, as with each of the performers- their characters and music is fully embodied.
Brandon Pape has given the cast freedom to express the show openly through their bodies and has often crafted moments and glimpses in a series of vignettes, these of course would be different depending on the side you’re sitting on as an audience member and I imagine the show would be unique and special each night.
Willow Sizer must be mentioned as they transformed through multiple characters, and had such a magnetic presence- you couldn’t help but be drawn back to them again and again. Their vocals transcended the space- with various effects through technology- however their singing was intricate, impressive, and of another world- with a styling of old Hollywood in their natural vibrato that you felt was coming from a record played over a gramophone.
Hany Lee had a deep and powerful sound which was applied to many characters and cut through the collective with just the right amount of sparkle. Their solo moments stood out for me, as they clearly put their whole soul into their work.
All together, when singing songs and odes to whiskey, the audience (relieved to have a little laugh) revelled in the casts camaraderie. A notable moment by Sidney Younger- of which the audience was anticipating, was the lights going off for 20 mins of the show. For me, this was a relief in one way- to block out all other senses and just let the experience wash over me. For others, this was a long time to be in the dark and you could feel the tension- perhaps that was the point? To challenge. How often do we all just sit in the dark and listen to music? The cast played without falter in pitch black, live instruments- as if they could see in the dark. Flickers of paranormal in the lamps and low hanging globes were very atmospheric and flashes of light gave us frights and chills.
The show rattled on, just as the Ghost Train they kept referring to would have through the subway. To end, the cast gave various instruments to the audience, and showed them what to do to keep the rhythm going, slowly they built up more and more audience members into the mix- and as I looked around, the audience were beaming, delighted to be a part of the creation of art. Once the cast had assigned all instruments, they left the stage and the audience, amused- continued the song. The cast took a well-deserved bow for a marathon of a show and the audience stood without question.
Chatter in the foyer afterwards sent shivers and excitement, with each patron sure to have experienced a piece of theatre that will stay with them for a while, and perhaps- dreams of ghost stories whispering on the wind and in their dreams tonight. Welcome to Sydney Antipodes Theatre Company, Ghost Quartet is sure to create excited whispers throughout their season at Hayes.
​
Ghost Quartet is on at Hayes Theatre until Feb 1st.
