High Spirits with Shirley Ghostman

2005

Seasons & Episodes

  • 1

8.8| 0h30m| en
Synopsis

High Spirits with Shirley Ghostman is a British television comedy show broadcast on BBC Three It features character comedian Marc Wootton playing an effete and slightly vicious fake medium/psychic. It is narrated by Patrick Stewart, with animated sequences by Rex Crowle produced by onedotzero. The character of Shirley Ghostman is sometimes considered to be a parody of the supposed act of controversial psychic, Derek Acorah and contains actual satirical references to the television show 6ixth Sense with Colin Fry in Shirley's opening speech to the audience. The show was very successful on BBC Three and was set to move to BBC Two in the summer of 2005.

Director

Producted By

AD
AD

Watch Free for 30 Days

All Prime Video Movies and TV Shows. Cancel anytime. Watch Now

Trailers & Clips

Reviews

ThiefHott Too much of everything
Merolliv I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.
BelSports This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.
Deanna There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.
Nick Selwood This is yet another comedy series that has been totally forgotten about - A big part of that was probably Marc Wootton being interviewed (in character) on Jonathan Ross - he was either very drunk or acting drunk incredibly well (its difficult to tell with Wootton as you will know if you've ever seen this or Cyderdelic for instance!). There was a bit of a fuss after this appearance in the media and his show was quietly taken off the air - it has never been repeated.Do you like Most Haunted? Or do you know someone who likes Most Haunted (or other shows of that ilk). Well if you like them you wont like this! But if you find them funny in any way you will probably love this! I cant recommend this enough - go and buy the box set and get his other genius series thrown in (My Best Friend).You haven't seen anything like this trust me!
Brad Tyler what can i say? i saw the DVD in a sale and purchased it for a mere £5, as i am a big fan of comedy series DVD's. i had never seen the show although i remember it being on TV... the very first episode had me laughing so hard it hurt. the section were he channels lady di was pure tear inducing, side-splitting hilarity, i practically feel off the sofa. i cannot remember the last time something made me laugh as much as this. marc wootton is a legend! he is utterly fearless and brutally shocking as his superb character shirley ghostman. sometimes you cannot help but squirm with embarrassment as shirley pushes the boundaries of taste and decency, this is certainly NOT for the easily offended! if you like your humour on the darker side, then i cannot recommend this enough. it sits nicely alongside the stupendously dark nighty night (julia davis is the female marc wootton, and marc also appears in both series of that!). i ran straight out and purchased cyderdelic (another comedy series staring marc wootton) on DVD as soon as i saw it was available, and again.. it is pure class. anyway, high spirits with shirley ghostman is a must buy!
karmaDhyana Marc Wootten is a GENIUS as Shirley Ghostman, a spirit guide who channels celebrity spirits. This show, "High Spirits with Shirley Ghostman" is a spoof of mediums (can you say John Edward?) and alleged paranormal experts who make a living speaking with the long-departed.Shirley Ghostman's appearance may be as funny, if not funnier, than the show itself. 'Her' approximate 6 foot+, 250 pound frame is ensconced with a white pantsuit, matching white cape and shoes, while her make-up consists of peach lip gloss, frosted eye-shadow, mascara and all I can describe as an Angie Dickinson hairdo: a blonde, puffy, to-the-shoulders bob-type thing (which may, or may not, be Marc's real hair...either that, or a dang good wig).I've only seen one episode of this show, but I loved every campy minute of it. Not only did it feature a "slice-of-life" scene featuring Shirley visiting a local gym for a workout with a personal trainer, it ended with her engaging a live audience (who didn't quite know what to make of the whole shebang), and channeling the spirit of a cantankerous, ill-tempered and foul-mouthed Frank Sinatra (whose rousing rendition spoofing "My Way" was a hit with the audience).Even though the show became a bit corny at times, if you're even a bit wary of the whole supernatural/spiritual contact thing, you'll appreciate this royal send-up.
pjmulholland For those unfamiliar, Shirley Ghostman (AKA comedian Mark Wootten) claims to be in contact with the dead. In the course of his show we see him channelling princess Di, recruiting woeful would be psychics to his "spirit academy." (At one point getting a potential recruit to lay on-top of him so he can "open up his chakra") and mercilessly mocking clueless audience members who have been told they are there to see a real medium perform. Wooton plays Shirley to the max with all the false empathy and throw away phrases that those familiar with some of these so called mystics will have heard many time before "love and light be with you" is a favourite one that pops up. The narration is provided by Patrick Stewart, or someone who sounds exactly like him. The combination of these solemn tones, spooky music and Woottens ultra camp, blond, white suited creation ensure much merriment all round. Much recommended.