Ghost was a much-loved, Oscar-winning movie that has become one of Hollywood's biggest hits.

It has been turned into a hit stage musical and is winning even more fans, according to its leading man.

Niall Sheehy takes the Patrick Swayze role of Sam who is murdered by his friend and business partner and Rebekah Lowings is Molly (Demi Moore in the movie) who is then threatened by the man.

Sam returns as a ghost but can’t warn Molly she is in danger until spiritual medium Oda Mae Brown appears.

“It’s about love and loss. Molly dealing with her grief and Sam dealing with his fear that he can’t help her," he says.

“He has panic and fear that something awful will happen to the woman he loves.”

“It tells the story of a love affair and young couple, but the success of the film was because it was not one genre - it is also a thriller in parts, a horror and a rip-roaring comedy with the Oda Mae character.”

The 1990 film made a hit of the song Unchained Melody and it plays a big part in the musical as well.

Niall explains: “Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard have written original music for the show and it is wonderful, but Unchained melody keeps reappearing as a theme throughout. It is Molly and Sam’s song."

Three months in and the tour is going well.

Niall and the cast have been spared the idiotic behaviour that marred the production of Titanic he appeared in last summer when two women sat in the front row decided to watch the England penalty shootout against Colombia on their phones, rather than the play.

Niall, who has appeared in major musical productions such as Miss Saigon, Les Mis and Wicked, took to Twitter to vent his anger, saying: "To the two women in the front row tonight who not only followed the penalty shootout on their phone, but also said 'yesss' on each goal scored, you are the most ignorant audience members I have ever had the misfortune to perform in front of."

"And when a cast member signalled 'put your phone away' during the bows and you smiled, gave a thumbs up and replied 'I know - we won!!', I think you may have let us all know you are the stupidest woman on the planet. Please avoid attending any future theatrical productions."

He won huge support from fellow actors across the country - and theatre fans.

He says: “The theatre is open to everyone. If people want to leave the theatre during a performance, it is upto them and that’s fine, but you shouldn’t make a distraction. The people next to you or behind you, may want to pay attention to the piece.

“It is more about respect for your fellow audience members.”

Ghost, The Sands Centre, Carlisle, April 2-6. For tickets, go to www.thesandscentre.co.uk or call 01228 633766

The Irishman isn’t yet sure what his next role after Ghost will be, but he is a huge fan of the hit comedy series Father Ted and would be delighted to land a role in a stage version of the show.

He said: “They are talking about a Father Ted musical and if it happens, I will be yelling at my agent to get me a role.”I’ll take anything!”