Wilde ghosts: Oscar's comic tale of ghouls and privilege (From Kingston Guardian)

Wilde ghosts: Oscar's comic tale of ghouls and privilege

7:00am Sunday 16th September 2012 in News

The gothic setting that provides an atmospheric setting for one of Oscar Wilde’s comedic tales of ghosts and privilege is set to be recreated at the CornerHouse.

Upstage theatre company will take to the stage and perform playwright Tim Kelly’s version of The Canterville Ghost for three days after finding themselves fascinated by the tale.

Actor Peter Cooke says: "It is a fun show and also one of the first shows which is suitable for all ages.

"It is a very good play with a good story.

"It is a bit dark and there is a bit of humour in it as well."

The Upstage cast, formed 12 years ago after a group of night school students decided they wanted to host their own plays, will all have a part to play in this ghostly tale.

Based in an old English ancestral home the play focuses on an American family who buy the house and find themselves confronted with ghosts and mysterious happenings.

The American Otis family battle with the 400-year-old ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville as they try to stake a claim on their home.

The Canterville Ghost; The CornerHouse, Douglas Road, Surbiton; Wednesday, September 19 to September 22, 8pm; £9, £7 concessions; call 020 8390 9113 or rosemarybarett@tiscali.co.uk; upstagetheatre.co.uk.