In the charming and comedic film 'Ghosts', we follow the story of a cash-strapped young couple, Alison and Mike Cooper, portrayed by the talented Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe. Unbeknownst to them, their inheritance of a grand yet dilapidated country house comes with more than just the charm of rustic living. As they settle into their new home, they soon discover it is not merely a fixer-upper—it is alive with the mischievous spirits of its former inhabitants, each with their own stories and unfinished business, creating a cacophony of humor and conflict.
As the couple navigates the challenges of home renovation and financial strain, they grapple with the eccentricities of their ghostly housemates, who range from hilariously bumbling to heartbreakingly poignant. Each ghost adds a unique layer to the narrative, providing both comedic relief and emotional depth. While Alison seeks to embrace the home's history and restore it to its former glory, Mike seems more than a little skeptical, often finding himself in laugh-out-loud predicaments as he interacts with these strange apparitions. The film expertly blends elements of comedy and supernatural drama, showcasing the couple's shifting dynamics as they confront their new reality.
Ultimately, 'Ghosts' isn't just about the spectral residents of an old house; it's a heartwarming exploration of love, partnership, and the joys and trials that come with starting anew, especially when encumbered by faux pas ghosts with lingering regrets. As Alison and Mike work together to understand and coexist with the supernatural, they learn valuable lessons about history, acceptance, and the importance of family ties—both living and departed. Overall, this delightful and whimsical comedy invites audiences to reflect on what it truly means to find a place to call home, even amidst the chaos of spirited shenanigans.
Main Cast of Ghosts
Charlotte Ritchie
Alison Cooper
Charlotte Ritchie delivers a standout performance as Alison Cooper in the BBC comedy series "Ghosts," where she brings a unique blend of warmth, wit, and subtle vulnerability to the role. As the only living character who can see and interact with the ghostly inhabitants of Button House, Alison serves as the audience's surrogate, navigating the comedic pitfalls of living with a gaggle of eccentric spirits. Ritchie's portrayal is both grounded and expressive, as she deftly handles the rapid-fire dialogue and slapstick situations with impeccable comic timing. Her chemistry with the ensemble cast of spectral characters is a highlight, showcasing her ability to react with both exasperation and empathy to the ghosts' otherworldly antics. Ritchie's performance is crucial in anchoring the show's supernatural premise in relatable human emotion, making Alison's journey from a skeptical outsider to a caring, albeit beleaguered, cohabitant of the afterlife both engaging and hilarious.
Kiell Smith-Bynoe
Michael 'Mike' Cooper
Kiell Smith-Bynoe delivers a standout performance as Michael 'Mike' Cooper in the British television series "Ghosts." As Mike, he brings a vibrant energy and a natural comedic timing that perfectly complements the show's supernatural premise. Mike, one of the living inhabitants of Button House, is a self-employed online fitness coach and motivational speaker with a penchant for positivity and self-help jargon. Smith-Bynoe's portrayal is both charismatic and endearing, as he navigates the complexities of sharing a home with a host of eccentric ghosts, whom only he and his wife, Alison, can see. His character's development from skepticism to a grudging acceptance of the spectral roommates is handled with a deft touch, providing both humor and heart to the series. Kiell's ability to react to the unseen entities with impeccable comic timing and genuine emotion adds depth to the character dynamics, making Mike's interactions with the ghosts some of the most entertaining aspects of the show. His performance is a testament to his range as an actor, seamlessly blending physical comedy with nuanced emotional responses, which has helped to cement "Ghosts" as a beloved modern comedy.
Mathew Baynton
Thomas Thorne
Mathew Baynton delivers a delightfully quirky and endearing performance as Thomas Thorne in the British television series "Ghosts." As the naive and eternally optimistic nobleman from the 17th century, Baynton's portrayal is a standout among the ensemble of spectral characters. Clad in period costume and speaking with an accent reminiscent of the era, he brings a charming innocence to the role, often providing comic relief through his character's lack of worldly knowledge and his earnest attempts to navigate the complexities of both the afterlife and the modern world. Baynton's physical comedy and impeccable timing add depth to Thomas's well-intentioned but frequently misguided endeavors, making him a lovable and memorable character within the ghostly ensemble. His interactions with the other spirits and his efforts to come to terms with his own tragic backstory offer moments of both humor and poignancy, showcasing Baynton's range as an actor and contributing to the show's unique blend of heart and hilarity.
Simon Farnaby
Julian Fawcett
Simon Farnaby delivers a delightfully quirky and eccentric performance as Julian Fawcett in the BBC television series "Ghosts." As a character, Julian is the flamboyant and often melodramatic ghost of a former MP who, despite his posthumous invisibility to the living, maintains his political aspirations and a penchant for grandiose speeches. Farnaby's portrayal is characterized by impeccable comedic timing and a charmingly exaggerated sense of self-importance, which is perfectly balanced by his character's underlying insecurities and the absurdity of his spectral situation. His interactions with the other ghostly residents of Button House are a highlight, as he attempts to navigate the afterlife with the same bombastic confidence he applied to his political career. Farnaby's Julian is both a source of humor and an unexpectedly heartwarming presence, as his vulnerabilities peek through his pompous exterior, endearing him to viewers and adding depth to the ensemble cast.
Martha Howe-Douglas
Stephanie 'Fanny' Button
Martha Howe-Douglas delivers a standout performance as Stephanie "Fanny" Button in the British television comedy "Ghosts." As Fanny, she brings to life the eccentric and flamboyant character of an 18th-century socialite who finds herself stuck as a ghost in present-day Button House. Howe-Douglas's portrayal is a delightful blend of period drama theatrics and modern-day wit, as she effortlessly navigates the comedic tension between Fanny's old-world sensibilities and the contemporary setting. Her impeccable timing and expressive face add depth to the character, making Fanny both larger-than-life and endearingly relatable. Martha's ability to convey Fanny's despair at being forgotten by history, while also reveling in the chaos of the afterlife, provides the show with some of its most hilarious and touching moments. Her interactions with the other ghostly residents and the living characters are highlights of the series, showcasing Howe-Douglas's talent for both physical and verbal comedy. Through her performance, Martha Howe-Douglas ensures that Stephanie "Fanny" Button is not just a memorable character, but a beloved spirit that haunts the hearts of the audience long after the screen goes dark.
Jim Howick
Patrick 'Pat' Butcher
Jim Howick's portrayal of Patrick 'Pat' Butcher in the BBC television series "Ghosts" is a masterclass in comic timing and physical humor. As Pat, a scoutmaster who died in the 1980s and is now eternally stuck in his camp leader persona, Howick brings a delightful blend of enthusiasm and obliviousness to the role. His character is lovable yet hopelessly out of touch, often causing chaos with his well-intentioned but misguided attempts to impart wilderness survival skills and team-building exercises on the other ghostly residents of Button House. Howick's performance is characterized by his ability to convey Pat's endearing naivety and his unfailing optimism, despite being a specter. With a pitch-perfect balance of earnestness and slapstick, Howick's Pat is a highlight of the ensemble cast, providing many of the show's laugh-out-loud moments while also contributing to its heartwarming exploration of community and friendship beyond the grave.
Laurence Rickard
Robin / Humphrey's Head
Ben Willbond
The Captain
Lolly Adefope
Kitty
Katy Wix
Mary
Crew of Ghosts
Full backstage crew list →