Actor and comedian Hamish Lloyd Barnes brings his debut character comedy show Stage Presence to the Edinburgh Fringe, offering a ghost story with a difference. Set in a haunted theatre, the production gives voice to a group rarely heard from in the genre – the ghosts themselves.
Loosely inspired by the real-life murder of actor William Terriss at the Adelphi Theatre in 1897, the show follows a cursed troupe of spirits on the final night before their historic theatre is demolished. Joined by a talking ticket, curtain and spotlight, they scramble to tell their stories as the wrecking ball looms ever closer.
Beneath the absurdity lies a timely reflection on the importance of preserving theatre spaces. As funding becomes increasingly difficult to secure, Stage Presence highlights the cultural and creative value of these buildings, and the magic that happens within them.
Hamish Lloyd Barnes, co-artistic director of Spies Like Us, has built a reputation across theatre and comedy, with credits spanning television, radio and stage. A BBC New Comedy Awards nominee and Leicester Square Theatre Sketch Off finalist, this Fringe debut marks an exciting new chapter in his career.
Stage Presence runs at Underbelly Bristo Square from 5 – 30 August at 19:15. Tickets are on sale hereÂ
