Local Theatre Company ‘Also, There’s Ghosts‘ is partnering with IPSUM Swindon on a new original musical that will debut at Swindon Arts Centre this May!
Click HERE to purchase tickets
Also, There’s Ghosts is a Theatre Company here in Swindon creating a space for young artists to grow and create new and exciting theatre. They debuted back in 2024 with a new musical ‘I Know the End’ with support from the Wyvern Foundation, Wyvern Theatre, Trafalgar Entertainment Trust and Barn Theatre Cirencester. Since then, the company has expanded, working with more local talented artists, companies and performers.
They are now putting on their next original musical ‘A Nihilist’s Guide: Through Nothing to Everything’.
The show features a completely original score, written and composed by Ryan Aust.
Synopsis:
Lorien has rented a theatre in the attempts to film (what he calls) his ‘magnum opus’ (a nihilistic, genre-hopping musical turned comedy turned disaster) and become a ‘serious and respected actor’. With the “help” of his meddling muses and his laidback technician, what could go wrong?
(Rae Alexander, Lottie Waller, Ryan Aust, Lily Moir)
‘A Nihilist’s Guide is an exploration of the concern and frustration young people have for the future. We are promised a bright future and constantly met with the reality that the world is not fun place to be right now. My show aims to show that frustration, that fall into nihilistic hopelessness, but also show that there is an important power in holding onto hope. The hope that we can make a brighter future if we are willing to try’
-Ryan Aust, Writer/Composer
The show centres around themes of anxiety, depression and using music as a tool to get us through difficult times. Because of this, Also There’s Ghosts are collaborating with IPSUM- a mental health charity in Swindon that provides talking therapies, therapeutic creative arts activities and youth services.
IPSUM has art and music studios that offer therapeutic creative arts activities for anyone in need of support. IPSUM recognises the need for a supportive creative environment, offering time for relaxation and mindfulness and the opportunity to learn new skills.
Click HERE for IPSUM website.
(Lottie Waller, Lily Moir, Rae Alexander, Ryan Aust, Mike Bentley)
‘We are very excited to be collaborating with Ghosts Theatre Company who are supporting IPSUM through their upcoming show. This partnership brings together creativity and community highlighting the important role the arts can play in supporting mental health and wellbeing. IPSUM is very grateful for the support and we are excited to see the show come together’
-Kerry Marsh IPSUM Project Manager’
The show will be performed during mental health awareness week on 15th and 16th May at Swindon Arts Centre.
‘I think that it is so important that we keep talking about mental health and our struggles with it. Theatre can be an escape but it can also help us to empathise and understand what people might be going through. It can open up a conversation and give us the courage to reach out for help as we know we aren’t alone’
–Louise Aust, Also, There’s Ghosts Artistic Director.
As part of their collaboration, the cast visited IPSUM and their music studios to record the opening number of the musical . With help from Mike Beckley and the team, they produced ‘Nepenthe’ and have since released the song and music video you can check it out below:
Entertainment Swindon 
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