Theatre Hauntings - West End Ghouls & Dark Knights On Broadway Review: the ideal Halloween treat for thespians
Updated: 5 hours ago
05 October 2026 | Available on digital platforms, courtesy of Reel2Reel Films.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | PR - Screener
Theatres are some of the most haunted sites in the world. If you happen to stay behind after a performance, I invite you to sit beside the ghost light suspended above the stage, and take a look around... These buildings carry the weight of those that came before us, as Theatre Hauntings explores the cultural and paranormal history across two one-hour long documentaries: West End Ghouls and Dark Knights On Broadway.
Written by Robin Bextor (Peaky Blinders: The Real Story) and Simon Hanning, you can watch the documentaries separately, but we will begin with West End Ghouls, where London's rich theatrical history rises from the Restoration period having endured the trauma of several wars. We are introduced through a series of old-timey and vintage videos, including archival footage from 20th century productions.
As we are then presented with various supernatural cases, we see these enacted by a small company of actors, as a distinct thespian's commitment runs through their performance. Some take place outdoors, or in non-specific locations. And others are filmed on the stage of Eastbourne's Royal Hippodrome Theatre, whose setting transforms depending on the story. These scenes are packed with tension, and really place us inside these haunted stories.
The Strange Case Of Bert Gleeson is perhaps the most fascinating of the lineup, giving a modern spin on a years-long folk tale, complete with ring doorbell and modern anachronisms. It proves that superstition and tragedy transcend time, as its ghostly gimmicks feel entirely plausible today. We are also treated to: The Soldier In Seat G12 - a regular wartime London Coliseum spectator who longs for escapism; The Ghost Of William Terriss - a world famous actor who met a gruesome end; and The Drury Lane Theatre - Joseph Grimaldi and the performing clown spirit of London.
Charles Abbott and Samantha Chance lend their voices for clear and succinct narration, though at times there is too much 'dead space' between the text filled with music, and transitional scenes can feel lengthy. That being said, Nick Bromley (author of the magnificent Stage Ghosts and Haunted Theatres - brilliant read!) features in segments of both documentaries, and really lifts the pacing with his passionate delivery. His knowledge in the subject matter certainly shows.
Comparing the two, Dark Knights On Broadway is slightly less focused on traditional gothic, and spends a portion of its time on Broadway's theatre-building history, and how Oscar Hammerstein I commercialised New York's entertainment scene. Regardless, it is still fascinating, and sets a social background for the remaining cases.
It opens with The Ghost of Olive Thomas, told through a remarkable monologue from actress Bibi Simpson. She addresses viewers almost as a friend, as we meet the young actress behind the legend. And this is where this story's presentation is so effective, because Olive is a benevolent ghost of the New Amsterdam Theatre, and part of the family there. Simpson's kindliness reminds us that ghosts are far beyond something we must fear.
Others cases in this Broadway edition include: Frohman - the impossible sighting of a man who tragically died onboard the Lusitania; The Play That Can Not Be Mentioned - a history of Shakespeare's Scottish play and its deathly reputation; David Belasco - America's famous producer who onlooks from the theatre boxes; and The Last Fall - a trapeze artist condemned to fall for eternity in the Palace Theatre.
If your into your stage history and gothic horror, you may recognise or story or two from these documentaries. But even if you're new to the theatrical scene, Theatre Hauntings is guaranteed to engross you into an evening of all things macabre this Halloween season!
Available to stream from October 5th:
Theatre Hauntings: West End Ghouls via Apple TV and Prime Video.
Theatre Hauntings: Dark Knights on Broadway via Apple TV and Prime Video.
