pjmulholland Review of High Spirits with Shirley Ghostman

High Spirits with Shirley Ghostman (2005– )

Superb send up of paranormal mediums

[2 March 2005]

For those unfamiliar, Shirley Ghostman (AKA comedian Mark Wootten) claims to be in contact with the dead. In the course of his show we see him channelling princess Di, recruiting woeful would be psychics to his "spirit academy." (At one point getting a potential recruit to lay on-top of him so he can "open up his chakra") and mercilessly mocking clueless audience members who have been told they are there to see a real medium perform. Wooton plays Shirley to the max with all the false empathy and throw away phrases that those familiar with some of these so called mystics will have heard many time before "love and light be with you" is a favourite one that pops up. The narration is provided by Patrick Stewart, or someone who sounds exactly like him. The combination of these solemn tones, spooky music and Woottens ultra camp, blond, white suited creation ensure much merriment all round. Much recommended.