Liverpool Sound and Vision rating: * *

Cast: Mark Jones, John Bradurn, Des Flanagan, Russell Parry, Wendy Jones, Ashleigh Roberts, Tania Power, Wayne Lester, Jade Oxby, Anthony Russell, Liam Lloyd, Franny Conlin, Josie Parkes, Peter Highton, Dominic Pitt.

In Walton prison, inmates Tony and Ike have been summoned to see the Governor Mr. Grime who has a proposition that neither can refuse. The only problem is it involves going down to the haunted tunnels to the morgue to destroy the old morgue table. However, Tony and Ike have heard the stories about the morgue table being haunted and are a little hesitant to comply, but a reduced sentence is at stake.

It is believed that once the table is destroyed, the souls will be put at rest, but Tony and Ike discover a dark secret that opens the door to some spooky revelations.

This production promises more then it gives. There are some good vocals from individuals that make up for dialogue that at times appears slow paced. The musical numbers themselves have long introductions that sometimes leave the actor either wondering around on stage or just waiting to start singing, however once got going the solos were generally good.

There is no set as such rather a backdrop where images are projected onto to establish scenes, and good use of costumes and make-up were made to identify each of the ghosts. Perhaps one of the favourites for the audience was Anthony Russell who plays Innocent Thomas, he stole the show with his two solos, it seemed a pity that there appeared to be no character as such attached to the voice.

The two inmates themselves Mark Jones (Tony) and John Bradurn (Ike) work well together and Bradurn in particular stands out with his vocal talents. Ghosts Flo and Dot played by Wendy Jones and Ashleigh Roberts also shine through with their vocals and together have some lovely harmonies.

The story is certainly original and there is no doubt that this is a talented cast, however at times it seems that there was no real directorship which lead to a play that felt like it had a little way to go.

Sharper delivery of lines would definitely have helped to pick up the pace as the script and musical score are strong.

Janie Phillips