If you’re looking for a masterclass on how to write an ensemble comedy, look no further than Ghosts. Created by the team behind Horrible Histories, this wonderfully wacky show is a true gem in the comedy landscape. The fifth and final series continues to leave viewers clutching their sides (is there anything funnier than a caveman suddenly breaking out his fluent French?) and shedding a tear at sudden moments of realism.
The premise remains simple yet inspired. The rundown mansion ‘Button House’, inherited by Alison (Charlotte Ritchie) and her husband Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe), unbeknownst to them, is also inhabited by a motley crew of ghosts from various historical periods! Since acquiring it, the house has become more than just home to the couple, but after discovering Alison can see and interact with its ghostly occupants, they’re still navigating the challenges of coexisting with their unconventional family!
This season’s narrative arc centres around the couple’s latest attempts to turn Button House into a profitable endeavour (never easy since the upkeep also makes the mansion something of a money pit), this time by selling off some of the land. While their situation might not be the norm, in the current economic climate, the show’s honest depiction of the couple’s financial struggles will resonate with many viewers. Meanwhile, the ghosts’ determination to stave off the boredom of eternity leads to fresh hijinks that only our dearly departed deviants can concoct, such as the recreation of classic gameshows Mastermind and Blanky Blank.
This latest instalment sees the series out with a bang, offering a perfect blend of spectral shenanigans (think line-dancing ghosts), and moments of true heart. Arguably nothing this series carries quite the same emotional impact as the ascending to heaven of Katy Wix’s character Mary, but we are finally treated to WW2 Veteran ‘The Captain’s’ (Ben Willbond) tragic backstory, which doesn’t disappoint.
One of the show’s strengths is its ability to inject a healthy dose of character development amongst the ghoulish mayhem. Alison’s visceral reaction to believing the ghosts have passed on (this turns out to be their ill-judged April Fool’s Day prank) shows the unlikely family has come full circle since the days when the ghosts were determined to drive the couple out.
The show’s trademark humour is equal parts clever wit and slapstick hilarity. Each ghost, from ‘morally-bankrupt’ conservative politician Julian (Simon Farnaby) to uptight, shrewd Fanny Button (Martha Howe-Douglas), brings their own distinct comedic flair. The writing is sharp, loaded with one-liners, and never misses a chance to poke fun at the character’s eccentricities.
One of the funniest scenes comes when Huddersfield-born Pat (Jim Howick) and Julian enter into a fiery North/South debate, before The Captain steps in to remind them that despite their differences, they are all British – except perhaps Robin (Lawrence Rickard) the caveman… Ultimately such squabbles lead to subtle moments of growth, but the show manages this without ever becoming cheesy.
As Alison and Mike navigate their many challenges, their relationship deepens and their enduring bond offers snapshots of real 21st-century life amidst the chaos.
The chemistry among the cast is palpable, and their commitment to the characters proves the show is a real passion project. Each embodies their ghost (quirks and all) with impeccable comedic timing, creating a genuinely funny ensemble.
You get the sense if it weren’t for the tricks of time, this is a show that could endure forever. In fact, the only positive to its ending is there is no chance of the formula becoming tired.
The characters are endearing, and the humour on-point. For those seeking a paranormal laugh-riot that’s also heartwarming, Ghosts is a must-watch. With the Christmas special still to come, long may the spirited occupants of Button House continue to entertain us with their uproarious antics!
All episodes of GHOSTS Series 1-5 are available through BBC iPlayer, and will be released in a DVD boxset edition on January 15th
