Screenshot
We managed to catch up with the Cast from Ghosted! A New Musical:
Cormac Hurney- Edgar Allan Pole
Emma-Jane Nannetti- Mia
Isaac Casey- Henry
Juliet Hill- Lydia
What first drew you to this project – the music, the story, the chance to play a ghost?
[Cormac, Edgar]: The secrecy! During auditions we were told very little about the show – just a few song snippets and brief character descriptions. Uncovering the story layer by layer completely hooked me. Bringing it all to life has been amazing.
[Emma-Jane, Mia]: The chance to be part of an original musical. We knew almost nothing about the plot until we were cast, but exploring grief and loss through such a fun, accessible lens felt unique. Once I heard the audition songs, I was sold.
[Juliet, Lydia]: The music. I was in as soon as I heard the demos. I also love having creative input on new projects and watching them grow into fully-fledged productions. Devising little moments of humour – and there are plenty in Ghosted! – has been a joy.
[Isaac, Henry]: Performing in an original musical with no past portrayals to reference was a huge draw, along with the music. Being the first to perform these songs is a real privilege.
Without spoiling too much, tell us about your character – and how you relate to them.
[Cormac, Edgar]: Edgar is a tap-dancing spirit and our narrator. Comical, unhinged, unpredictable – but with a sweet side they rarely show. I share their sense of humour and, sadly, their horrific patience. Playing this larger-than-life character has been both fun and eye-opening.
[Emma-Jane, Mia]: Mia is loyal, stubborn, a little melancholy (same here) – and dead. She has to accept her death to move on, and while her love for Henry defines her, she learns it’s not all she is.
[Juliet, Lydia]: Lydia is determined, unconventional, and endlessly energetic – qualities I also have. She’s always jumping into situations, well-meaning but occasionally meddlesome. She’s a blast to play.
[Isaac, Henry]: Henry is deep in grief – stubborn and oblivious to most things except what might help him reach the Other Side. I think most people can relate to him at some point in their lives.
If your character were a ghost haunting the Royal Mile, how would they cause mischief?
[Cormac, Edgar]: Edgar would flood the Royal Mile with personalised Edgar mugs, then flick the streetlights on and off for hours.
[Emma-Jane, Mia]: Mia’s mischief would come from a hopelessly romantic place – probably trying to set couples up and failing spectacularly.
[Juliet, Lydia]: She’d rearrange all the Fringe flyers to advertise her paranormal support group. She’d tell the head exorcist it’s pure sex appeal bringing people in – but really, it’s propaganda.
[Isaac, Henry]: Henry would roam around blasting dated punk rock from a speaker, just to annoy people.
If you could ghost one bad habit from your own life, what would it be?
[Emma-Jane, Mia]: Chronic procrastination.
[Juliet, Lydia]: Being untidy. Acceptance is the first stage of healing, right?
[Isaac, Henry]: Indecision. I think.
What’s your ultimate post-show snack or rehearsal ritual?
[Cormac, Edgar]: My iconic lunchbox is with me everywhere – bagel, banana, flapjack. Before, during, or after a show.
[Emma-Jane, Mia]: I usually forget to bring food, so it’s whatever I can find!
[Juliet, Lydia]: Haribo jellies. Playing Lydia takes a lot of sugar.
[Isaac, Henry]: Coffee. Before – and sometimes after.
What’s the one takeaway you hope audiences leave Ghosted! with?
[Cormac, Edgar]: A new perspective on grief – how we cope, and how those around us cope, in very different ways.
[Emma-Jane, Mia]: That grief has many forms, and everyone experiences it eventually. I hope people see parts of themselves and their loved ones in the characters.
[Juliet, Lydia]: Grief is the price we pay for love – an inevitable part of life, family, and friendship. You’re not as alone as you think.
[Isaac, Henry]: Those who leave us never truly leave us.
And finally – sell us the show. Why Ghosted! over a pint and a nap?
[Cormac, Edgar]: There’s something for everyone – catchy songs, fun characters, sharp comedy, emotional depth. You can’t always say that about a pint and a nap.
[Emma-Jane, Mia]: Pints and naps will always be there. Ghosted! is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t regret – you’ll laugh, maybe cry, and definitely hum the songs for days.
[Juliet, Lydia]: A pint and nap won’t make you laugh, cry, laugh again, cry again, and question why you gave up tap dancing as a kid. You can nap when you’re dead! Or can you…
[Isaac, Henry]: Ghosted! tackles big themes with humour and heart. Pints and naps aren’t going anywhere – have one after.
Ghosted! A New Musical | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
About the Author
