GHOST STORIES: Paul Strickland

Paul is certainly a talented storyteller. Intonation, pauses, onomatopoeia, vocal effects were all well done. I also appreciated that there were some interesting lighting choices being made, as sometimes I feel the downfall of a storytelling show is the lack of any visual interest; what differentiates you from a podcast if there’s nothing to see?

That being said, the stories themselves were disappointing. I like my horror creative and subversive. These were pretty typical stories with predictable endings. I’d like to see him bring stories that are more challenging (unusual, unexpected, disruptive) to his shows.

I was promised something chilling and got a great storyteller telling campfire tales. The lighting and effects were spot on, but the stories just weren't great.

Ghost Stories by Paul Strickland: A Masterclass in Macabre Storytelling Strickland’s Ghost Stories is a chilling theatrical experience that grips you from the first eerie chuckle to the final blood-curdling twist. For an hour, Strickland conjures five spine-tingling tales, each more gruesome and unsettling than the last. The show opens with a deceptively light tone—an amuse-bouche of horror laced with humour—before plunging into full-blown terror. Strickland’s command of the stage is nothing short of masterful. His use of lighting and blocking transforms the space into a haunted realm, amplifying every gasp and shadow. The performance is not just scary—it’s genuinely horrifying, in the best possible way. If you're craving a ghost story that delivers both theatrical brilliance and bone-deep fear, this is the one to see.

A Spine-Tingling Night of Ghost Stories By Martha Estrada Baca

There is a special kind of thrill in gathering to hear ghost stories told aloud. Something about the shared hush of the audience, the dim lighting, and the anticipation of a sudden chill creates a collective experience unlike any other. Paul Strickland taps directly into this primal pleasure, offering an evening of tales that are as atmospheric as they are unsettling. Strickland proves himself not just a storyteller, but a guide into the uncanny. His stage presence is commanding yet intimate, as though he is speaking directly to you while also holding the entire room in suspense. Without elaborate staging or effects, he manages to conjure haunted graveyards, restless spirits, and eerie midnight encounters purely through language and delivery. It’s a reminder that ghost stories thrive not on spectacle, but on suggestion. This was probably my favourite Fringe show I have watched and for good measure as, even with a simple premise, Strickland manages to enrapture and captivate his audience with his ability to tell a very good story. I would most definitely recommend.

Make no mistake - Paul Strickland is a MASTER storyteller. And this nugget is unlike any other show I've seen him put on.

The storytelling was once again masterfully done with Paul simply at a microphone and only two little lamps for props. The use of the sound system to enhance sound effects and create atmosphere was done well, and the use of the lamps meant the theatre was largely in the dark for most of the show.

THIS PARAGRAPH CONTAINS POTENTIAL SPOILERS AS I MENTION A COUPLE OF TRIGGER WARNINGS: I didn't love the last two stories just simply due to the trope/trigger itself within the story (the first involving child abuse and death and the second animal abuse) and felt more sad than scared personally, but overall, still enjoyed them as both ended in a satisfying way.

Definitely recommend checking this show out if you love a good ghost story.

Side note - he mentioned that Erika is bringing a show next Fringe, so that was exciting news to hear :) It's been too long!

wow! A contender for my favourite of the Fringe. Paul is amazing at setting an atmosphere and immersing you in his stories. I particularly loved June Apple Tree. I’ll be thinking about this inspiring show for a long time.

Mesmerizing and magical! I felt completely immersed in these spooky stories. The June Apple Tree brought tears of awe to my eyes.