THE film proved to be one of cinema’s biggest all-time hits, so it’s only natural the hype surrounding Ghost the Musical was going to be high as it finally landed at Glasgow’s King’s Theatre on Monday night for a week.

For those who have either a) been living under a rock since 1990 or b) are too young to be familiar with the film, the double Academy Award-winning movie was a huge success story, both critically and at the box office, where it was the highest grossing film in the year of its release.

‘Ghost’ starred some big names, including the late Patrick Swayze alongside Demi Moore, Tony Goldwyn and Whoopi Goldberg with direction from Jerry Zucker.

This week in Glasgow, the “innovative musical reimagining” features “an expanded book, new songs and original staging.” Despite all that, though, it had a lot to live up to - and failed to hit the nail on the head.

Things get off to a great start with the catchy duet “Here Right Now” as we’re introduced to Molly (Rebekah Lowings), Sam (Niall Sheehy) and Carl (Sergio Pasquariello). It’s difficult not to compare the stage musical to the fim but, after the huge success of it, which is still felt today, hence the “need” for a musical, how can you not?

The element that really holds the start of the film - and indeed most of it - together is that sense of being in New York, undoubtedly the biggest character in the movie. However, on the stage, the feeling you’re transported to the City that Never Sleeps never materialises and falls flat. A New York skyline background and a few actors running around the stage in business suits doesn’t quite cut it.

After a largely dull first half-hour - throughout which the iconic “Unchained Melody” scene fails to get the juices going and the raw emotion that should be left behind after Sam’s murder falls flat - the arrival of phoney storefront psychic Oda Mae Brown (Jacqui Dubois) is a welcome and much-needed relief. Teaming up with Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy and Sadie Jean-Shirley, who play colourful sidekicks Louise and Carla, the trio has the audience cackling with laughter as they revel in mischief and hilarity, all bound in soulful gospel music.

Immediately after, Lowings temporarily manages to claw back a dismal acting performance so far with the heart-rending “With You.” One thing that can’t be taken away from the actress is her pitch perfect and powerful singing voice, one of the very few strong points in the show.

The ‘Subway ghost’, played by Lovonne Richards, at first, provides the same fear as the late Vincent Schiavelli in the film. However, the distortion of the stage actor’s voice during track “Focus” is so overused to the point it is difficult to make out any words being uttered.

Although no Whoopi, Dubois provides some much-needed laughs in that ridiculous bright-pink-outfit-in-the-bank scene - which lacks the same delivery and oopmphs as in the film - before the show finally winds down with an impressive, light-filled ending.

Ghost the Musical was always going to have a lot to live up to after the phenomenal success of the 1990 film. But with no single stand-out performance and a production that tiringly limps along, on this occasion, the musical can’t quite reach the same mark.

Ghost – the Musical is showing at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow until Saturday, March 30. Head to atgtickets.co.uk.