A site-specific immersive adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s darkly comic and thrilling short story.
Transforming the Georgian Grade II listed venue Stanley Arts into the medieval mansion backdrop of Goresthore Grange, audiences are invited to promenade from room to room with supernatural enthusiasts Silas and Matilda D’Odds on a hunt for their ghost.
Based on the short story by Arthur Conan Doyle, who once lived and worked locally to the venue in Norwood, Selecting a Ghost is an eerily witty tale of a newly-wealthy couple who have bought all the trappings of nobility for their new mansion and are only missing one thing: a ghost. After exploring their home and realising that there’s no spectre to be found, it sparks a strange and spooky obsession that takes the audience on an unnerving journey as the couple put their trust in a stranger who promises to conjure them a spirit.
In an epic finale, spectators will gather in the venue’s great hall and take part in a ‘Ghost Selection Ceremony’, which features award-winning local Hip Hop company BirdGang Ltd (OneDance UK innovation in dance Award), combining classical theatre with contemporary dance and audience interaction. Will the D’Odds finally encounter their ghost or simply be left haunted by the ordeal?
Director and creator Phil Cheadle said, "When I first came across Arthur Conan Doyle's gem of a short story, Selecting a Ghost, I immediately saw its potential for the stage—especially in a space as distinctive as Stanley Arts. My vision was to fully integrate the building into the production, making the venue itself a key part of the experience. With Stanley Arts Resident Artist BirdGang Ltd. bringing the ghosts to life through hip-hop dance, the piece gains a fresh, dynamic energy. It’s a perfect blend of classic literature, ghostly hip-hop, and an unforgettable setting. Theatre can be ridiculous fun sometimes!"
Reconsider your relationship with death through art, immersive theatre and innovative technology with Stanley Arts' Days of the Dead Festival (5 Oct – 9 Nov). The festival explores themes of death, rebirth and the afterlife. Plus more live events, workshops and a free exhibition to be announced soon.
Adapted by Two Lines Productions and featuring award-winning local Hip Hop company BirdGang Ltd.
Cast
Silas D’Odds Edward Bennett, Matilda Silas D’Odds Jade Williams, The Ghosts BirdGang Ltd (Kenji “TENGU’ Matsunaga, Laura “STARLING” Braid, Ben Ajose-Cutting, Nora Nouche Hoffmann).
Listings information
Selecting A Ghost: 6 – 9 November 2024
Stanley Arts Centre, 12 S Norwood Hill, London SE25 6AB
Weds – Sat 7pm & 8.30pm | £10
Tickets: Selecting a Ghost (ticketsolve.com)
Further Information: Selecting a Ghost - Stanley Arts London