THE West End and Broadway musical Ghost, based on the Oscar-winning Paramount Pictures film, will take over the Grand Opera House stage in York from February 16 to 20.

Bruce Joel Rubin, who wrote the 1990 film script, provides the book and lyrics for the stage show, whose score is by Grammy award winners Dave Stewart, of Eurythmics fame, and Glen Ballard, writer of Michael Jackson’s Man In The Mirror. Unchained Melody, from the movie's iconic pottery-making scene, inevitably features too.

In Ghost, when Sam Wheat (played by Daniel Conway) is murdered on a New York street, he finds himself trapped between this world and the next.

After many failed attempts to communicate with girlfriend Molly Jensen (Lauren Sheriston), he seeks the help of phony psychic Oda Mae Brown (Jess Gardham) in the hope of saving her from his murderer. As time starts to run out, Sam and Molly learn the hard way to keep their friends close and their enemies even closer.

The York Stage Musicals production is directed by Nik Briggs, working alongside choreographer Lesley Hill and musical director Stephen Hackshaw.

Here principal cast member Joe Wawrzyniak discusses Ghost and ghosts with Charles Hutchinson.

Which role are you playing in Ghost and what songs do you sing, Joe?

"I'm playing Carl Bruner, best friend of Sam Wheat. Ghost has an original score, so I'm not sure The Press readers will know all the songs but I have two numbers. #

"The first one is called More, which is about the fast-paced life of a New York banker, and then the second song, Life Turns On A Dime, is part of a trio and is about how life can change so suddenly for someone in the blink of an eye."

Aside from the well-known hit Unchained Melody, how would you describe the style of the music in Ghost?

"Ghost is very much a rock musical, without being too far removed from the conventions of traditional musical theatre. The music was co-written by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics and there are some absolutely stunning numbers in there."

What does transforming Ghost into a musical add to the impact of Bruce Joel Rubin's story?

"Making such an iconic film into a musical adds a whole other dimension to the story. It allows for the characters within the story to have their moment to be exposed to the audience, enabling them to form an emotional connections with the characters."

What are the technical requirements of the show, especially for the scenes on the subway?

"This show is huge in terms of production value. For this reason, we've teamed up with Flapjack Films, who have created footage for us, filming us on 'green screen' to use on a video wall that will sit at the back of the stage to help create the scenes and surroundings."

Finally, Joe, do you believe in ghosts?

"Yes, I think I do. Like most people, I have lost someone close to me at some point in my life; I like to think that they're still here watching over me, just like Sam does for Molly in the show."

York Stage Musicals present Ghost, The Musical at Grand Opera House, York, from February 16 to 20; 7.30pm, Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm and 8pm, Friday; 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Saturday. Box office: 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york